Investigating Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) initiatives in teaching-learning skills development on STEM subjects in secondary public schools in Shughnan, Afghanistan

Abstract

This investigation was carried out on "professional development in STEM education". The initiatives were taken by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in the farthest part of Afghanistan, Shughnan. The study aimed to investigate the initiatives that the institution has taken to conduct STEM training. Meanwhile, the research was wandering to discover the approaches that fostered the teachers’ capability to conduct a good learning environment. In this regard, it was invaluable to understand the views of the informants. The participants were selected based on their expertise and background in STEM training with AKF. The study was conducted using qualitative methods, and I used purposive sampling. Eventually, the research was conducted through online interviews and FGD. This research revealed that the training of STEM educators was implemented in collaboration with other NOGs and governmental organizations (national, provincial, and district levels). The institution trained the instructors to enable them to utilize the laboratory and get familiar with pedagogical skills with which they could launch learner-centered approaches. The finding also revealed that AKF assisted the teachers through a wide range of strategies across its coverage establishments, both in academic and material provision. Last but not least, the institution had predominant observation and mentoring from its coverage schools and supported them in empirical and academic aspects.