Intel conducts special teacher training program in Colombo

• ‘Intel Educate Future Scientists’ curriculum to assist teachers in shaping-up young Sri Lankan scientists

Intel, in partnership with The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), conducted a teacher training program to encourage and motivate Sri Lankan teachers and students to get on the path of science and innovation. This initiative empowers teachers to create a transformed learning environment in their classrooms that helps students think and solve problems like scientists and innovators.

The two-day training program in Colombo attracted more than [number of teachers] from all over the country. Teachers were trained under a special curriculum called ‘Intel Educate Future Scientists (IEFS)’ which focuses on an inquiry-based learning approach to science and educate teachers on how to apply the method of scientific inquiry in classroom teaching. Teachers were also trained on different ways of constructing a science-based, inquiry-based lesson plan and identifying local and international science fairs to guide and support students to participate in them by submitting winning projects.

Apart from the many interactive sessions, the teachers also got an opportunity to meet and mingle with K.A.S. Subodha Sewwandi, who won a grand award at this year’s Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), and the teacher who accompanied the Sri Lankan team to USA and got to know of their experiences. 

Eng. Jayavilal Meegoda, Vice President of IESL, said: “This training program has helped local teachers to move away from their traditional classroom approach to inquiry-based teaching which helps students to think out of the box. This approach to science assists students to engage in critical thinking, problem solving, and exploratory learning through discovery. I thank Intel Sri Lanka for the great support they have extended towards IESL to make this effort a successful one.”  

Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager of Intel Sri Lanka, said, “At Intel, we believe young people are the key to solving global challenges. A solid science foundation coupled with skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and digital literacy, are crucial for their success in the 21st Century. A training program of this nature does not only help teachers to engage in inquiry-based teaching but encourage more Sri Lankan students to participate and win at international education fairs like Intel ISEF.”

Participants were given curriculum and learning material to be used as future reference and at the end of the training session, teachers who participated received a certificate from Intel and IESL.