03/12/2024
✨ Meet Shimaab, our passionate and dynamic Talus instructor! 🌟 With a commitment to empowering students and an incredible knack for making complex concepts accessible, Shimaab is here to guide you on your learning journey. 🚀
At Talus Academy, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Shimaab to dive deep into his experiences as a Talus instructor. He shared insights into his teaching philosophy, the joys of witnessing student breakthroughs, and his vision for fostering an engaging learning environment. 📚✨
Q: What’s the most surprising or memorable reaction a student has had to a STEM concept you’ve taught?
A: One of the most memorable reactions was when a Year 2 student saw a basic circuit light up for the first time. The look of pure wonder and excitement was priceless—like they had just unlocked a superpower! Moments like these remind me why hands-on STEM activities are so impactful; they make complex concepts like electricity feel magical and accessible.
Q: If you could only teach one STEM topic for the rest of your career, which would it be and why?
A: If I could teach only one STEM topic, it would be coding and robotics. It’s not only highly relevant to the world we live in but also teaches problem-solving and creativity in a way few other subjects can. Coding helps students think like engineers and understand technology as something they can shape and control.
Q: What’s a STEM “myth” you often hear, and how do you like to debunk it for your students?
A: A common myth is that “STEM is only for those who are ‘naturally good’ at math or science.” I emphasise that STEM is about curiosity and resilience rather than natural talent. Through experiments and projects, I show students that trial and error is part of the process—failure isn’t the end but a step towards innovation.
Q: How do you keep your classes at Talus Academy exciting for students who may find STEM intimidating?
A: At Talus Academy, I keep STEM exciting by making it hands-on and relevant. I tie activities to real-world scenarios or topics they’re interested in. For example, I might incorporate micro:bits to create their own interactive stories or games, which not only teaches coding but also engages their imagination and creativity.
Q: Can you share a fun STEM experiment or activity that always gets your students engaged?
A: A project that always captures students’ interest is our rover-building activity. At Talus Academy, students get hands-on with robotics by assembling a rover with a 3D-printed chassis, a robotics board, and two motors. They program it to move and navigate, learning about coding, engineering, and problem-solving along the way. It’s incredibly rewarding for them to see their own creations come to life and move autonomously!
If you enjoyed the interview, please share this post with your friends and family. 👨🏽🏫🧑🏻💻👨🔬
