The Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) at Nelson Mandela University is set to host its second annual Regional STEAM Education Seminar in Gauteng on 14 and 15 February 2025, in collaboration with Market Place Academy, Future Nations Schools, and key industry sponsors Deloitte and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
The STEAM seminar, set to welcome over 220 in-service educators from public schools in Gauteng, will serve as a transformative platform for fostering trans-disciplinary learning, problem-solving skills, and digital literacy in under-resourced classrooms, says Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre Director Professor Werner Olivier.
.jpg)
Inaugural Provincial STEAM Seminar in Makhanda in 2024.
Following the resounding success of its inaugural event in the Eastern Cape in 2024, this dynamic seminar aims to reshape the future of STEM education in public schools of South Africa by empowering educators with cutting-edge strategies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
The event enjoys strong support from the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, with Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina delivering the opening keynote address on the first day.
Key stakeholders from industry and the public sector in Gauteng, including leading non-profit organisations and private companies, will attend, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning & Teaching, Dr Muki Moeng, and Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Heloise Sathorar will represent the University leadership at the seminar.
A two-day immersion in innovation and collaboration
From expert-led presentations by leading national experts in SEAM education to interactive hands-on workshops, the seminar will expose educators to best practices in STEAM learning, equipping them with real-world tools to inspire young minds.
Attendees will engage with national education leaders, explore innovative practical teaching methodologies, and connect with peers and stakeholders to forge sustainable professional learning networks.
Key benefits of the seminar include:
-
Innovative teaching practices: Educators will learn practical, interdisciplinary approaches to integrating STEAM into their curriculum.
-
Technology-enhanced learning: Exposure to digital tools that enhance lesson delivery and learner engagement.
-
Networking and collaboration: A unique opportunity to connect with education leaders and peer educators fostering continuous professional development.
-
Curated STEAM resource repository: Access to free innovative teaching materials to sustain long-term classroom impact.
-
SACE-endorsed professional development: Attendees will earn CPD points towards their professional growth.
Shaping the future of education
By establishing itself as an annual regional STEAM-focused event, this seminar aims to transform education in South African public schools, empowering learners with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.
It seeks to redefine traditional STEM teaching, aligning it with the evolving demands of sustainable skills development to cultivate a resilient, knowledge-driven economy.