East China Normal University students extend tech education practice to Africa

Students from the Faculty of Education at East China Normal University in Shanghai dived deep into schools across China and six African nations during the summer break, bringing their latest innovation and practice of technology education to a wider global audience.

Technology education is becoming increasingly important in today's world. Leveraging its strengths in educational disciplines, the university organized student volunteers to Karamay in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Xundian county in Yunnan province and Liling in Hunan province to conduct social practice activities and help promote local technology education.

Volunteers were also sent for research and exchanges in six African countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius.

Their insights, experience and innovative approach to technology education benefited and inspired more than 1,000 primary and secondary school students and educators worldwide, according to the university.

The volunteer teams developed a standardized curriculum for the practice and integrated local cultures to create distinctive courses and help students "learn by doing", featuring paper windmills in Karamay, tie-dyeing in Xundian county, and oil-paper umbrellas in Liling.

In Africa, the volunteers conducted research interviews, observed classroom sessions, and engaged in deep talks with local teachers and students. They found that although many African countries are incorporating science and technology education into their national education agendas, they generally face challenges related to a shortage of teachers and curriculum resources. The volunteers shared insights based on their domestic experiences, and their expertise in curriculum design was well-received by local educators.

Moreover, the findings from the research were compiled into a report, which is expected to serve as a reference for further science and technology education cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.