Teacher Training Underway for Successful Implementation of the STEAM Extracurricular Program

The implementation of the STEAM extracurricular program in schools is progressing with the support of the World Bank, under the general education component of the I2Q project. The international consortium, IBF Expertise SA, is actively working on this initiative. Currently, the program is successfully operating in 80 schools across Georgia and is set to expand to an additional 120 schools during the 2024-2025 academic year, bringing the total to 200 schools. The primary goal of the STEAM extracurricular program is to enhance students’ interest, particularly among girls, in natural sciences.

To ensure the successful implementation of the STEAM extracurricular program, the I2Q project includes training for over 240 teachers from all 120 schools, focusing on resource utilization and program execution. This training will be conducted in stages across various regions of the country, led by Jeffrey Novak, an international expert from IBF Expertise SA.

On November 28-29, 2024, Jeffrey Novak facilitated training for science teachers from schools in Tbilisi, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Shida Kartli, and Kakheti at the 126 Tbilisi Public School.

The I2Q Project general education component lead introduced participants to the key activities outlined under the GE component and provided details about the full cycle of implementing the STEAM extracurricular program in schools. The head of the school’s STEAM club, along with students, shared their experiences. The STEAM extracurricular program has been operational at 126 Tbilisi Public School for one year, and the school has successfully established the STEAM innovation workspace where students engage in various STEAM projects. This program was inaugurated by Roland Price, the World Bank Regional Director, along with the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, in early 2024.

Teachers at the pilot schools for the STEAM program were provided with laptops and STEAM educational kits. Training sessions for teachers from schools in Borjomi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Batumi are scheduled for the following week.

By the end of 2024, the piloting of the STEAM extracurricular program will commence in all 120 schools, with active student involvement in the process.