Aga Khan University's new tech set to transform STEM learning

Dar es Salaam. A new strategy is poised to transform the teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in schools across Tanzania.

The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) has begun training teachers from public and private primary and secondary schools to deliver STEM subjects in a more practical, engaging and student-centred manner.

In a press statement issued during the launch of a workshop in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Dean of AKU-IED, Dr Jane Rarieya, said the objective is to ensure that both students and teachers fully participate in hands-on learning.

“It is our mission to make sure teachers and learners are not just passive listeners. We want them to be actively involved in the learning process through real experience,” Dr Rarieya said.

For years, many students in Tanzania have turned away from STEM subjects, largely due to teaching methods that made them appear difficult or uninteresting. 

In some cases, teachers have employed intimidating approaches, causing subjects like Science and Mathematics to seem daunting to learners.

AKU-IED is seeking to change this narrative by incorporating technology to make STEM lessons more lively, interactive and easier to grasp.

The training equips teachers with modern tools that enable students to learn by doing rather than simply listening. It covers the use of online simulations, digital experiments, and interactive models to explain concepts in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and even Geography.

“STEM subjects are often taught separately like Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. But through this training, we want teachers to see the connection and the real-world application of these subjects,” said AKU-IED trainer, Dr Ester Kibga.

She added, “Technology makes learning exciting. It opens up the mind of the student and makes complicated topics simple and interesting.”

One of the key resources introduced during the training is Physics Education Technology (PhET), a digital platform that enables students to conduct virtual experiments and visualise scientific concepts.

A trainer from AKU-IED in Mombasa, Kenya, Mr Charles Maina Muigai, said PhET tools have boosted teachers’ confidence in delivering STEM lessons.

“With PhET, I can show teachers how to demonstrate concepts practically. This builds their skills and helps them teach students more effectively,” Mr Muigai said.

He expressed hope that the teachers trained would go on to inspire students to embrace and pursue careers in STEM fields.

Meanwhile, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has partnered with AKU-IED to support the initiative by providing digital learning resources to teachers and other education stakeholders.

“Our support is not only in giving digital education tools. We are also educating teachers about our financial services like form-free loans and children’s savings accounts to prepare students for the future,” said Ms Ameria Kianga from DTB.

The initiative comes at a time when Tanzania is striving to produce more STEM graduates to meet the growing demands of a technology-driven economy.