STEM leader
Rajaa Halabi, Campbelltown NSW
I have worked in early childhood education for 12 years. I currently work as an 'Early Childhood Teacher' for Campbelltown City Council.
My professional interests are…
Embedding different languages and cultures in the learning environment, with an emphasis on relationship building, where children, families, educators and the greater community feel included and valued for their uniqueness.
This comes to mind when I think of STEM…
When I think of STEM, I see opportunities for hands-on investigation and limitless opportunities for team work, problem-solving and creative expression.
I am a fan of inquiry-based STEM learning because…
Inquiry-based STEM learning promotes active participation with a hands-on approach and provides space for understanding through trial and error and experimentation. This approach encourages children to work collaboratively and helps them to gradually develop an understanding of the world around them. It encourages questioning and promotes the process of investigation and research.
My favourite Little Scientists workshop is…
Engineering because it combines all the aspects of STEM. Engineering provides opportunties to investigate, build and construct and use elements of science, maths and technology to create, explore and make meaning of the world.
My favourite STEM exploration with children…
I most enjoy STEM exploration with children when they can lead their own learning and play through questioning, trial and error and hypothesising. I love taking on the supportive role, where I give the children terminology to use so they can explain their ideas and thoughts e.g. when they discuss speed I would remark about velocity.
Life without STEM would be…
A life without excitement and opportunities for growth, both in a personal and socio-ecconomic way. Without STEM there would be an stunt in the advancement of technology and new innovations.
In terms of STEM, I encourage my children…
Not be afraid to try new things and to think outside the box. I encourage them to challenge each other’s thinking and to ask questions. Questioning leads to many learning opportunities where the children and myself are able to learn and research the answers together.
My role in the children’s discovery and research is to…
Facilitate learning and discovery experiences that allow children to explore, problem-solve and open-endedly investigate within their learning environments. My role is to support, listen, question and assist the children in researching and “finding the answers”.
