As part of a commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Caribbean region, educators and policymakers in Antigua and Barbuda recently gathered for a two-day workshop to discuss the potential of Open Educational Resources (OER) in mathematics and science education. The workshop was conducted through a collaborative effort involving senior education officials from the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, along with staff from The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.

The workshop, supported by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), was held under the theme “Exploring OER in Mathematics and Science Education: From Theory to Practice” and focused on equipping participants with practical skills to effectively integrate OER into their teaching practices. Sixteen educators attended the workshop.

Dr Andrew Hunte, project lead and the Head of the School of Humanities and Education at UWI Five Islands Campus emphasised the significance of the workshop in advancing STEM education as well as research in the contextualisation of OER for local use, explaining, “Open Educational Resources are invaluable tools in advancing the teaching of STEM in Antigua and Barbuda. These resources are much needed for the provision of accessible, high-quality educational materials that can be freely used, adapted and shared by educators and students.”

On the first day of the workshop, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions aimed at deepening their understanding of OER. Hands-on activities included exploring OER platforms, evaluating OER quality, and developing OER tailored to mathematics and science curriculum needs. On the second day, the facilitators introduced the concept of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, also known as STEAM education, as well as its role in interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking. Participants explored strategies for sharing and publishing OER, integrating them into STEAM lessons, and utilising OER in assessment and feedback processes.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the group work sessions where participants collaborated to create engaging lesson plans and workshops using OER. The presentations showcased innovative approaches to integrating OER into STEM education, with participants receiving feedback from their peers and facilitators.

Reflecting on the workshop, Assistant Director of Education, Mrs Stacey Payne-Mascall, emphasised the readiness of participants to disseminate their knowledge and skills to their colleagues, adding: “This workshop signals a promising future for OER integration in mathematics and science education in Antigua and Barbuda.”

COL’s Education Specialist for Teacher Education, Dr Betty Ogange, said, “In order to transform STEM education with OER, educators should aim to develop high-quality, adaptable materials accessible to all. The participants in this workshop have demonstrated the ability to use OER effectively towards improving student outcomes in mathematics and science.”