STEM Education Conference 2014

STEM education levels underpin the economic and technological transformation of the national economy. The quality and levels of participation in STEM education from school through to university have a direct correlation to regional and national growth. An Australia Industry Group report says that 75% of the fastest growing occupations in Australia require STEM skills and knowledge. Unfortunately while demand grows it is not matched as well as it should be by the supply of graduates.The STEM Education Conference in 2014 will look not only at some of the key advantages and critical gaps in STEM education but also explore the policy and strategy settings that can enable participation and quality learning of STEM. Discussion over the two days will look at successful regional and national projects, university/school partnerships, new and innovative teaching and learning methods to see how we can reduce the vulnerability of our scientific enterprise.Keynote address:Professor Ian Chubb, Chief Scientist of AustraliaInternational case study:Cindy Duenas, Principal, TESLA STE M School, Washington State, USAConference themes will include:Examining critical gaps in STEM educationInnovation in teaching and learning practice - new thinking on inquiry-based teaching and learningEmbedding science and technology within national developmental strategy and goalsStrategy to increase uptake and participation of students at all levels in STEM how to keep them engaged and encourage curiosity and reflectionWhat are the strategies that are working at school, regional and inter institutional levels?Curriculum development - how can we continuously refresh our STEM curricula to keep in current, forward thinking to provide a strong basis for best practiceRaising the STEM participation among womenSpecial focus on regional and rural students and disadvantaged and marginalised studentsCommitment and investment in skilling and re-skilling a top quality STEM workforce.