The Qatar University ExxonMobil STEM Academy for Teachers (QUESTA) has made significant progress in its educational journey thanks to high-level cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the National Center for Educational Development of the College of Education at Qatar University ExxonMobil Qatar. This initiative represents a qualitative leap in the path of teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects in Qatar.
A legacy of innovation in education
Since its launch in 2012, under the name Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy (QUEMTA), the academy has witnessed a restructuring to align with the vision and directions of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, which aims to improve and modernize the national education curricula in the State of Qatar. The academy, which is celebrating its tenth edition this year, includes teachers from all over the country and provides them with educational practices and innovative strategies for teaching the STEM approach and its fields, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the third national development strategy. In addition, this initiative has become consistent with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s 2024-2030 strategy under the slogan “Lighting the Flame of Learning.” The Academy focuses on supporting this strategy to build an educational system that embraces creativity and raises the percentage of graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from 10% to 18%. These efforts aim to build a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and promoting innovation in the State of Qatar.
The Academy has proven its ability to make an effective positive impact in the education sector. Over the past years, more than 20,000 students have benefited from it. We are proud of the outstanding results the Academy has achieved, and we look forward to continuing this positive impact in the future.
A comprehensive learning journey
The educational journey of the Qatar University ExxonMobil STEM Academy for teachers includes two phases. The first phase includes an integrated series of 42-hour training workshops led by the National Center for Educational Development at the College of Education at Qatar University during the month of November 2024, during which teachers participate in interactive educational experiences aimed at deepening Their knowledge of the integrative STEM approach and providing them with the educational skills, methods and practices related to its application in the classroom. On the other hand, the second phase will focus on field training for teachers during the second semester of the academic year 2024-2025, through which teachers will be given the opportunity to practically apply the skills and knowledge acquired from the academy directly in their classrooms, and support and develop the application of those skills and knowledge through guidance sessions. Individual training by the National Center for Educational Development, which enhances the development of teachers’ self-efficacy.
This year, the academy witnessed the participation of 60 seventh- and eighth-grade teachers from 30 schools in the State of Qatar, including 10 teachers from the Teach for Qatar organization. These teachers learned about the most effective ways to plan and implement various STEM projects, and were informed about innovative educational practices. In this field, which included the engineering design process, project-based learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning, the participants also gained skills in planning STEM lessons and projects, effectively evaluating their students, and engaging students in the learning process.
The vision and mission are consistent with national goals
The Academy embodies an ambitious vision to empower teachers with STEM approaches and educational practices. The academy’s mission revolves around providing distinguished training programs based on the latest global practices, and places innovation, critical thinking and sustainability at the top of its priorities, which are indispensable elements for improving the quality of education and building a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
Empowering teachers and students
The academy’s goals focus on inspiring teachers to effectively plan, design, and implement diverse STEM projects and activities within the classroom. The Academy seeks to build a prosperous and integrated educational community by enabling learners to implement STEM projects, encouraging them to adopt reflective practices, and developing specialized professional learning communities, which provides teachers with an ideal environment for cooperation and exchange of professional experiences.