Dr Li-Jen Lester, 2023 US Fulbright Specialist, conducted the “Developing Teacher Educator Competencies in STEM Design-Based Learning” project at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) from August 12 to 23, 2024.
STEM Design-based Learning Capacity Building through Fulbright Specialist Project
Fulbright Specialist Dr. Li-Jen Lester, a full professor in the Computer Science Department and associate dean of the College of Science and Engineering Technology at Sam Houston State University, successfully collaborated with Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) on a project titled “Developing Teacher Educator Competencies in STEM Design-Based Learning” from August 12 to 23, 2024.
This collaboration was expertly managed by a dedicated team comprising the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences dean at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) and the head of the STEM Education Centre. Together, they delivered a comprehensive workshop for lecturers.
Dr Lester expressed her profound appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a Fulbright Specialist in Indonesia, particularly in witnessing the remarkable engagement of the lecturers involved.
“The workshop was actively participated in by a group of 24 lecturers, 70% of whom are newly hired, with some set to begin their first semester of teaching STEM in September 2024. Others bring experience from teaching at the secondary education level,” she said.
Through this training, the lecturers collaborated with subject matter experts to design integrated projects and support each other’s teaching practices.
STEM lecturers were introduced to several digital tools.
Active learning has been recognized as a critical process for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes in STEM education. Several interactive techniques were introduced and practiced throughout the workshop, including Think, Pair, Share, Gallery Walk, Deliberative Dialogue, Fishbowl Exercises, Three-Minute Presentations, and a Final Demonstration.
“Each lecturer engaged with these techniques using digital tools, free online resources, or paper formats to create a gamified and enjoyable learning environment. The final demonstration included role-playing activities, where participants interacted with the instructor, fostering a memorable and joyful learning experience,” she continued.
Teamwork to share their concept map.
Gallery Walk to provide constructive feedback.
The workshop concluded with an emphasis on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the entire Design Backward practice. Ethical considerations and operational effectiveness were key topics during the curriculum development process. Lecturers were encouraged to adopt innovative design approaches by collaborating with AI in their upcoming teaching units.
Overall, the project activities UNJ with Dr Lester focused on enhancing teacher educators’ competencies, fostering critical thinking, and promoting collaboration in developing STEM-based learning approaches, which will empower them to engage students more effectively.
“As a direct result, lecturers gained skills to create collaborative learning environments that encourage students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge in solving complex, real-world problems. These outcomes empower lecturers to engage students more effectively and develop curricula emphasizing hands-on, active learning,” Dr Esmar Budi, the associate professor at the Physic Department at UNJ, said.
At the close of the workshop, Dr Lester and the UNJ team discussed plans for ongoing collaboration, including researching AI implementation in STEM education. Sam Houston State University (SHSU) also extended an invitation to establish an exchange program between the two institutions. This could be an undergraduate 2+2 program or a graduate 3+2 program, benefiting students from both universities. Furthermore, a Study Abroad program during the summer session was proposed to encourage students from both countries to explore international perspectives and global learning opportunities.
Leisure time playing Pickleball with the lecturers.
Fulbright Specialist Dr Li-Jen Lester with UNJ STEM lecturers in a group photo.
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