Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QU-YSC) has launched the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Programme for the preparatory schools as a move to promote a culture of creativity and innovation among the younger generation. The programme aims to enhance students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by engaging them in simulated engineering, medicine and science environments to develop their critical and creative thinking skills.
Students from six schools from Qatar participated in the course. The programme aims to introduce students to the fields of STEM, which are science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to motivate Qatari youth towards these disciplines from a young age.
The programme also allows the students to discover their aspirations and scientific passion, which would facilitate choosing a university major later. The programme contains various workshops that follow the STEM Learning System.
This innovative educational system aims to advance education and prepare students to deal with modern practical reality through interactive scientific activities based on research and creative learning.
During the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Programme, students will learn about several scientific fields at Qatar University, specifically engineering, science and medical fields represented in the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy, College of Science and College of Engineering.
During the period, students will embark on an interesting and enjoyable scientific journey within Qatar University to get to know in-depth the different majors offered by each college, in addition to the job opportunities available for each major.
The Qatar University Gateway Programme for the preparatory level is an extension of the same programme designed for the secondary level launched by the Qatar University Young Scientists Center in the previous academic year, in cooperation with the university’s scientific faculties. The programme aims to introduce secondary school students to scientific disciplines and provide them with expertise and research skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to pave the transition from pre-university education to the university stage.
In a statement, Prof Noora Jabor Al Thani, director of the Qatar University Young Scientists Center, said: "Involving students from the early stages in research programmes enhances the students’ skills and enriches their scientific experiences, in addition to providing them with many skills such as creative thinking and problem solving, which in turn contribute to refining a new generation of creative leaders who contribute to finding solutions that keep pace with the developments of the era and its renewed needs.”
Prof Noora expressed happiness with the first cycle of the Qatar University Gateway Programme for the preparatory level, which was fully prepared and developed by the Qatar University Young Scientists Center and presented to students of this age group in a smooth and innovative way.
She appreciated the efforts of the Ras Laffan Industrial City Community Outreach programme, the sponsor programme of the centre and the partners, UNESCO, Doha Office and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science.