{"id":168,"date":"2025-08-29T14:56:52","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T14:56:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/tictac\/?page_id=168"},"modified":"2025-08-29T15:02:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:02:24","slug":"best","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/tictac\/projects-and-events\/best\/","title":{"rendered":"BEST: Blended Education for STEM Teaching"},"content":{"rendered":"

BEST: Blended Education for STEM Teaching<\/h2>\n

Engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial for both economic development and social well-being. Yet in many countries, including Malaysia, students\u2019 interest in STEM often declines as they move from primary to secondary school. Research shows that hands-on, tangible learning experiences<\/b><\/span>\u2014such as those offered by the BBC micro:bit, a small programmable device used by over 44 million students globally\u2014can spark curiosity, enhance problem-solving skills, and sustain motivation.<\/p>\n

However, access remains a challenge in low-income communities. Although micro:bits are relatively affordable, they typically require a personal computer, which is often unavailable in schools within OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) countries. Many teachers therefore rely on \u201cunplugged\u201d activities (using pencil-and-paper or playground-based exercises), which can support abstract reasoning but lack the benefits of direct engagement with digital technology.<\/p>\n

Project BEST<\/b><\/span> addresses this gap by adapting MicroCode<\/i>, a new learning tool that allows students to program and explore the micro:bit without needing a computer. Already tested successfully in two UK schools, MicroCode creates a bridge between unplugged activities and more advanced digital learning. Working closely with Malaysian educators, we will co-design and trial culturally relevant learning pathways that guide students from unplugged activities toward hands-on programming experiences as they enter lower secondary school.<\/p>\n

The project\u2019s outcomes include:<\/p>\n