The education ministry announced that it launched a key training course on high-school STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning and teaching on April 7, supported by the Second Upper Secondary Education Sector Development Program (USESDP II).

In a statement, the ministry linked the course to the Regional Teacher Training Centre (RTTC) of Kampong Cham, USESDP II deputy head and ministry undersecretary of state Thong Boran, and at least 200 other people.

These included senior ministry officials, National Institute of Education staff, trainers and development partners, as well as maths and science teachers from secondary schools in Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Kampong Speu, Mondulkiri, Prey Veng and Kampong Chhnang provinces.

The course will centre on three main “dimensions” – core ideas, crosscutting concepts and practice – and provide interactive lessons in STEM-related subjects, as well as seek to positively contribute to teachers’ willingness and ability to pursue continuous professional development (CPD) and improve STEM learning outcomes.

Boran suggested teachers strive to better understand the educational sector reforms that have resulted from the efforts of the government, educators and related staff.