The “Maker/Maker Space Workshop” inspired teachers to enhance their analytical thinking, problem-solving, and teaching skills, and provided techniques that can be applied in the classroom to deliver fun, innovative activities for students to learn science.

One of the most common obstacles in science classrooms is that the students feel irrelevant to class. In this rapidly changing era, teachers are required to be competent in not only basic skills, but new skills to improve their capabilities. The ideal science classroom, for most teachers, has ready-to-use equipment where students conduct experiments; however, Mr. Jakkapan Pratumteep, a teacher from Mathayomtaladyai School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Area 25 in Khon Kaen, sees his classroom in a different way. He prefers an inclusive classroom with students enjoying learning science and actively participating in experiments while asking questions and sharing knowledge.

“One of the problems in my science class is when students do not engage because the activities are not attractive enough,” Mr. Jakkapan said. “This makes it difficult for teachers to recognize their students’ potential and encourage them to apply science knowledge and skills to their everyday life.”

“I have been a teacher for over six years and am always eager to motivate students to learn science by participating in classroom activities, which include science lessons and hands-on activities. After joining the Chevron Enjoy Science workshop, I have employed teaching techniques such as the use of video clips, games, questions from science lessons, and knowledge sharing. This approach allows me to create a more innovative classroom and helps improve students’ capacity to learn and participate.”

Since the workshop, Mr. Jakkapan and other participating teachers have applied the knowledge, skills, and techniques to strengthen in their own teaching practices. These techniques offer students opportunities to think, experiment and solve problems and increase students’ enjoyment while learning science.