The lema? programme, run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), has received a positive response from teachers surveyed, saying that their students were highly enthusiastic and content with the initiative.
More than 1,000 teachers took the survey throughout the academic year, all of whom said they were pleased with the appropriateness of the content in line with their pupil’s age group, with 85.59% confirming they are ‘very satisfied’ and 14.31% saying they are ‘satisfied’.
The interactive shows and workshops were rated at 100 per cent by teachers who felt that lema? added enthusiasm for learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects amongst students, with 86% stating they were very satisfied and 14% were satisfied.
The same level of satisfaction was received in respect to the engagement of pupils who do not normally show an interest in STEM subjects. An impressive 83.32% of the teachers confirmed that they are ‘very satisfied’ with the improved interaction of pupils, with a further 16.68% stating they are satisfied.
The ‘lema?’ programme has been running since 2012, visiting students from Grades 3 to 7 in public and private schools across Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain and the Al Dhafra regions.
Between September 2017 and May 2018, a total of 66,894 students attended the interactive Arabic and English workshops and shows – the highest attendance since the programme’s inception six years ago.
Through the initiative, ADEK aims to establish STEM subjects as the foundation of a modern, well-rounded education, thereby driving the UAE government’s objective to create an innovative and knowledge-based society.
Retrieving feedback from schools is essential, which is why teachers and principals are required to complete a follow-up survey each time a ‘lema?’ school visit is organized.
Ms. Fatima Al Zaabi, Programme Manager of Special Projects at ADEK, said: “We are thrilled about the success of the 2017/2018 tour and especially proud to see that all the teachers who took part in the ‘lema?’ programme are satisfied with the interactive workshops and shows.
“By inspiring young minds to learn more about STEM related subjects, we are creating an exciting and innovative foundation for our youth, one that will help drive the economy forward, with focus on sectors that require capable and highly equipped manpower.”
Ms. Al Zaabi further added: “We have witnessed a high percentage of students and schools participating in the lema? programme this academic year, which is ample proof of the effectiveness of the ‘lema?’ sessions in generating an interest in STEM subjects. Our experienced science communicators are constantly finding ways to deliver informative, interactive and engaging fun loving workshops and shows.”
Operated with the support of its Platinum Sponsor, Mubadala Investment Company, lema? – which means ‘why?’ in Arabic – is held over the course of six weeks, three times a year.
Each session is delivered by fully trained science communicators and specially designed versions of the show are run to ensure inclusion of pupils of determination.
The next tour will take place in September 2018 and will include new content created for the upcoming academic year
