Program Duta Guru:
Simposium Kebangsaan 2023
Program Duta Guru (PDG) is a joint initiative between Yayasan PETRONAS and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) through the Education Policy Planning and Research Division (EPRD) and Teach For Malaysia (TFM) as implementation partner and Petrosains as STEM Hub implementator partner, which is a nationwide multi-year industry-linked programme to strengthen the capabilities of STEM teachers serving schools with a majority of B40 students.
Program Duta Guru aims to empower 4,500 teachers to be highly capable STEM educators; serving as role models in enhancing students’ (especially the underprivileged) interest and competency in STEM education and in strengthening their higher order thinking skills by 2030.
The identity for such a prestigious event needs to reflect the values and the foundation that the event was structured in the first place. Hence, the decision to move forward with the Rubik’s cube did just that.
The usage of Rubik’s cube is the representation of solving a problem. This aligns with the theme of the event:
Building Future-Proof Problem Solvers: Exploring the Intersection between Integrated STEM and a Sustainable Future.
The Rubik’s cube is a classic representation of how a problem can be solved through learning and practice, which reflects the situation in the classroom.
The Rubik’s Cube serves as more than just a challenging puzzle; its intricate design and complex structure make it a symbolic representation of problem-solving skills, particularly relevant for students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Solving the Rubik’s Cube requires a combination of logical reasoning, spatial awareness, critical thinking, and persistence. STEM students engage in a similar cognitive process when tackling complex problems within their disciplines. The cube’s various layers and colors demand systematic analysis and a methodical approach, mirroring the structured problem-solving methodologies often required in STEM fields. As students navigate the cube, they develop a capacity for breaking down intricate problems into manageable components, a skill that directly translates into their ability to approach and solve complex scientific and mathematical challenges.
Moreover, the Rubik’s Cube fosters a growth mindset among STEM students. The iterative nature of solving the cube encourages them to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persist in finding solutions. This resilience is a fundamental trait for success in STEM fields, where experimentation and problem-solving often involve navigating through setbacks and refining approaches. Ultimately, the Rubik’s Cube becomes a tangible metaphor for the interconnected skills and mindset essential for STEM students, promoting a holistic development of problem-solving abilities crucial for their academic and professional pursuits.
Special thanks to Atsmara of Teach For Malaysia for the advices and consultation contributing to the project’s success.
Animation produced by Geoffrey from Studio Ace Productions