Abstract:

In our rapidly changing world, it is crucial for students to navigate their environment effectively. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for real-world orientation, and STEM education supports these abilities while also fostering creativity and innovation. This preparation is vital for students pursuing future careers in technology and science. However, teachers are often not specifically trained in STEM education during their university studies. To address this gap, the Faculty of Science at Ostrava University (Czech Republic) offers workshops where students can practically experience STEM teaching.

These workshops are a series of interconnected sessions led by experienced instructors who are experts in specific scientific fields (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and technology). The first step involves selecting a focus area to be modelled and used as a practice theme for students in STEM teaching. This year, the chosen theme is "Shapes and Patterns." At the start of the first workshop, a concept map is created with the students to illustrate the interdisciplinary connections of the theme across natural and technical sciences. Additionally, education experts present the theoretical foundations of STEM education and provide examples of best practices. This year, artificial intelligence tools were utilized for selecting the theme and designing the concept map template for students.

The second workshop features practical demonstrations where academic staff show various teaching methods and forms that are well-suited for STEM education. By the third workshop, the activity shifts to the students, who work in groups and present STEM teaching scenarios they have prepared in advance. The key terms for this year's theme, "Shapes and Patterns," include surface chemistry, molecular geometry, 3D printing, materials science, cellular structures, anatomy, biomechanics, crystals, and geometry, among others.

This conference presentation will showcase specific concept maps, student worksheets, the results of workshop evaluations from the students' perspectives, and much more.

Keywords:

STEM education, Artificial intelligence, teachers.