Faculty of Education Advances STEM Education and Climate Resilience Initiatives in India
In October, the Faculty of Education proudly supported two Melbourne Global Centre Grant recipients on their visits to India to advance STEM education and tackle climate change.
Professor Jan van Driel and Associate Professor Kate Coleman and Dr. Sarah Healy from the SWISP Lab facilitated two innovative, collaborative programs at the University of Melbourne Global Centre in New Delhi.
SWISP Lab, A/Prof. Kate Coleman, and Dr. Sarah Healy: Exploring Climate and Speculative Futures
Read more about SWISP Lab and the Pluriversal Climate Future on their website
With Delhi’s rising temperatures and intensifying heatwaves placing it among the most at-risk cities globally, climate resilience has become a pressing concern. The Pluriversal Climate Futures Summit, held at the Melbourne Global Centre in October, sought to tackle these climate challenges with four days of immersive dialogue and creative practices, to explore new approaches to climate resilience. Co-organised by SWISP Lab, Science Gallery Bengaluru, Socratus, and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), the summit convened young professionals, students, and educators.
Activities included:
- “Deal for Climate” card game
- “Hacking the Anthropocene” workshops
- a “Climate Recipes” workshop inspired by Indigenous knowledge.
- Indian artists from UnErase leading a poetry event titled “Love in the Times of Climate Change,” where participants reflected on themes of resilience.
- A “Waste Museum” challenging attendees to confront the environmental impact of waste
- A “Citizen Jury” workshop facilitated discussions on diverse waste policy perspectives.
The summit concluded with students from Jaipur and Delhi’s College of Vocational Studies exploring the Sci560 Exhibition by Science Gallery Bengaluru, where they shared climate stories and brainstormed actionable ideas for building resilience.
Jagath V, Program Associate of Science Gallery Bengaluru remarked,"engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, all passionate about mitigating the climate crisis, reduced some of my climate anxiety and reinforced the power of art in these conversations."
The summit showcased how interdisciplinary collaboration can inspire young people to imagine and work toward a resilient future.
Prof. Jan van Driel: Advancing STEM Education
A leading figure in Science Education and co-leader of the Mathematics, Science & Technology Education Group, Professor Jan van Driel conducted a workshop with 27 science teachers from across the country. He explored effective teaching methods in STEM and engaged with teachers in an interactive session focused on advancing STEM education.
Professor van Driel also delivered a lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Institute of Advanced Studies in Education. His talk, titled “Opportunities for STEM Education in the Present Scenario,” examined the critical role of STEM in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world and underscored the need for innovative approaches to equip learners with essential skills.
Drawing parallels between the Indian and Australian curricula, Professor van Driel emphasised that skilled teachers are pivotal in connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, enriching students’ ability to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
The Faculty of Education continues to strengthen its connections with India and the Global Centre, showcasing the University of Melbourne’s extensive educational offerings, cutting-edge research, and commitment to community engagement.