PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to introduce a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) learning model in degree colleges across the province to better align higher education with modern and market-oriented needs.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Higher Education and Local Government Mina Khan Afridi. Secretary Higher Education Dr Muhammad Israr and other relevant officials attended the meeting.
The officials briefed the minister on the progress made so far towards the launch of the STEAM learning model.
It was informed that in the first phase, 2,250 faculty members of degree colleges would be trained in STEAM-based teaching methodologies, with women making up 50 per cent of the trainees. Around 30,000 students are expected to benefit directly from the initiative in its initial phase.
The meeting was told that the introduction of STEAM learning would lead to a 50pc increase in the use of digital tools in teaching and learning.
Products and projects developed under the STEAM framework would be showcased at provincial, national and international levels.
An amount of Rs341 million has been earmarked for the first phase of the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister stressed that faculty training must translate into tangible benefits for students.
“It should not happen that teachers receive training while students gain nothing,” he said, adding that the STEAM model would help prepare students for contemporary and market-driven demands.
The minister said that participation in and contribution to the STEAM learning model would also be considered in the future promotion criteria for faculty members, underlining the government’s commitment to improving the quality and relevance of higher education in the province.
