A university in Chile launched an initiative to promote teacher training for STEM education

The University of Santiago de Chile is a member institution of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) in Chile. In Carolina · Led by Professors Carolina Bonacic and H·éctor Muñoz, the university team is promoting a nationwide faculty capacity building initiative. The initiative covers multiple areas of knowledge, including providing teachers with new technology tools to increase women's participation in teaching and learning in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Available information shows that the gender issues highlighted by these initiatives are more urgent than ever. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), "From a human rights, scientific and development perspective, it is imperative to ensure that girls and women have access to STEM education and, ultimately, equal opportunities for this profession." ”

In addition, the UNESCO International Bureau of Education's Exploring STEM Competencies for the 21st Century report shows that STEM, regardless of gender, "plays a vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." The report notes that STEM education "seeks to articulate and provide innovative solutions to global issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals." ”

The University of San Diego's initiative, supported by the Office of Public Engagement and Promotion under the University's Vice Chancellor and various engineering departments, aims to focus on training secondary school teachers to create a "STEM Academy." To achieve this, the school supports teachers to focus on STEM projects and adopt a unique interdisciplinary pedagogical perspective.