TEACHERS TRAIN IN STEAM TO BOOST INNOVATION IN THE CLASSROOM

Educators from Sint Maarten’s public and subsidized PSVE schools have completed a three-day training focused on moving from STEM to STEAM education.

The workshop, organized by the Division of Educational Innovation, showed teachers how to combine science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the arts to create more creative, practical and student-centered learning.

Teachers explored project-based learning, critical thinking, collaboration and new ways of assessing students throughout the learning process instead of judging only the final result.

One hands-on exercise challenged educators to build a bridge using no more than 100 popsicle sticks and glue, then test how much weight it could carry.

Organizers say the activity demonstrated that meaningful STEAM lessons do not require expensive equipment.

The Ministry says follow-up support will continue during the 2026–2027 school year, with emphasis on interdisciplinary planning, low-cost hands-on projects and preparing teachers to use new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in the classroom.