Sparking studies and conversations in Spain | MIT News

“Meeting with the students [virtually] Discussing the challenges I had prepared was so inspiring because I saw that interest in science was piqued during our conversations, ”reflects Erick Eguia, a junior studying brain and cognitive science. Eguia had the unique experience of participating in a long-standing MISTI (International Science and Technology Initiatives) program at MIT in a new way - via Google Classroom for a group of eager students in Spain.

Typically, during the Independent Activities Period (IAP), MIT-Spain's Global Teaching Labs (GTL) program sends over 40 students to high schools across Spain and Andorra to share MIT's hands-on approach to STEM education. MIT students, in turn, can learn about the diverse culture of Spain and practice their teaching, presentation, language and problem-solving skills.

This year the program was reinvented and adapted due to Covid-19. MIT-Spain has been working with Fundació Tr @ ms, a non-profit foundation, since 2017 with the aim of bringing knowledge about innovation and technology to classrooms and enriching Spanish educational communities. Junior Erick Eguia and sophomores Michael Sutton (electrical engineering and computer science) and Victor Damptey (brain and cognitive sciences), in collaboration with Fundació Tr @ ms, have created online teaching courses and designed models to offer classes, lessons and workshops virtually. Throughout the IAP, they taught online in 11 different schools and reached over 1,800 students across Spain.

In total, the MIT team created 12 online modules on various STEM topics, including sustainability, chemistry, biology, and coding. The lesson plans were designed for three different age groups and were accompanied by challenges that continued to apply the Spanish students' learning related to renewable energy, video game programming, waste management and more.

"The Fundació Tr @ ms was a fantastic partner that exemplified the commitment to researching new and unique teaching methods and approaches for student-centered learning," says Alicia Goldstein Raun, director of the MIT Spain program. “It was no surprise that Fundació Tr @ ms made an effort to develop a virtual GTL program. "

Raquel Fernandez, Head of International Projects, says: “Thanks to the collaboration with MIT-Spain over the years, Fundació Tr @ ms and the associated schools have been able to access the GTL program to bring innovative methods from MIT directly to MIT classrooms. [Despite the program being virtual this year] MIT students bring expertise and knowledge, along with a personal impact that is extremely valuable to our students and teachers. "

Although the live sessions of the program ended in January, the content created will continue to be used through the Fundació Tr @ ms online portals and will complement the school's curriculum. The impact of the efforts of Eguia, Sutton and Damptey continues to spark conversation and learning, reaching additional students across Spain. “This experience reminded me of the importance of looking to future generations and communicating scientifically for everyone. At a moment when skepticism has become unhealthy, STEM education seems like the most potent antidote we have. I will make sure that my work is not only useful, but also understood by the people who are affected, ”commented Eguia.

The MIT students tested their own subject knowledge and skills, as well as their teaching creativity. Sutton explains, “When I was setting challenges, I wanted to have issues that were really practical and engaging, but I also wanted to be sure that students would be able to overcome challenges while observing Covid-19 safety guidelines in class obey. This resulted in me spending hours searching for fun and safe activities for students, which ultimately resulted in all of the challenges being put entirely online, but still as "hands-on" as possible. "

In addition to teaching, MIT students shared what it was like to be a college student, especially in the US at MIT. The MIT students have set up a virtual "escape room" to enable the Spanish students to tour the MIT campus and at the same time to interview them about their lessons. “I was able to share my experiences and interests with these students, which was an honor. If even one student has piqued an interest or is encouraged to apply to MIT, then the experience was worth it ... I also learned a lot about the cultural diversity in Spain, "says Damptey.

The MISTI GTL program offers MIT students the unique opportunity to teach STEM subjects around the world and align themselves with MIT's “MIT and Hand” motto and the MIT Better World initiatives. Amanda, a participant from a previous GTL cohort, says, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to share my experiences, knowledge and interests with others. I've learned so much from speaking to others and teaching at school, and I think the experience has made me more informed and broadened my views. I think I'll have come out of GTL as a better teacher and a better person. "

"Hopefully we can resume the personal program for IAP 2022 and more MIT students can take part in GTL in Spain," says Goldstein Raun Student, we already have a toolbox with useful and shareable materials. "

The MIT Spain program announces further plans for 2021 via its mailing list and Instagram. Students can handshake for remote offers. The program will also participate in a MISTI-wide celebration of all remote collaborations for 2020-21, currently scheduled for late April. Student alumni will share their research and experience and how they were able to network internationally during this unique time.

"This program taught me that another aspect of research is to share your work and passion with others. I will certainly keep this in mind as I continue my research at MIT and beyond," notes Damptey.

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