On the afternoon of November 7, Shanghai Normal University, UNESCO Teacher Education Centre (hereinafter referred to as UNESCO TEC), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia (hereinafter referred to as Indonesian Ministry of Education), and the Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, jointly hosted a principal forum themed STEM Education in Schools. Nearly 100 outstanding principals, supervisors, educational researchers, and officials from Shanghai (China), Indonesia, and Thailand attended the forum to discuss how to promote and deepen STEM education in schools. The forum was also broadcast live online, with over 1,400 viewers watching simultaneously.
The forum was hosted by Zhu Xiaohu, Project Director of UNESCO TEC. Zhang Minxuan, Director of UNESCO TEC, delivered a speech first. He extended a warm welcome to the guests attending the trilateral forum and pointed out that educational innovation and cross-border experience exchange are important ways to promote the improvement of educational quality in various countries. He hoped that the participating principals would conduct in-depth cooperation in STEM education and practical innovation, jointly address challenges in education, and strive to cultivate students with a global perspective and competitiveness.
Cai Yaojie, Deputy Director of the Basic Education Department of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, introduced Shanghai’s innovative measures in basic education. He emphasized the importance of STEM education and interdisciplinary projects in cultivating students’ literacy, and encouraged educators from all countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, jointly explore new paths for basic education, and promote the all-round development of students and the improvement of their innovative capabilities.
Yaya Sutarya, former Education Counselor of the Indonesian Embassy in China and Deputy Director of the SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre, shared insights on educational openness and cooperation, and introduced a number of innovative measures in STEM education in Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of promoting educational equity through open learning and regional cooperation. Mr. Yaya called on all countries to strengthen cooperation in STEM education and innovative practices, jointly promote the sustainable development of regional education, and support students’ growth and success in the context of globalization.
In the school sharing session, Zhu Naimei, Principal of Xunyang Road Primary School in Putuo District, Shanghai, first introduced the school’s practical experience in innovative education. She presented approaches to enhance students’ scientific literacy and creativity through interdisciplinary project-based learning and space transformation, including the development of the Dream + Space Transformation Curriculum. This curriculum allows students to explore and practice in real environments, fostering their ability to solve practical problems. Principal Zhu emphasized that education should provide every child with opportunities for innovation, enabling them to grow through creation and become future talents with independent thinking and practical abilities.
Junaidi, Principal of Langbangdanku State Vocational High School in Muaralaban Regency, Indonesia, introduced effective methods for teaching STEAM through Project-Based Learning (PBL), encouraging students to collaborate and explore in solving real-world problems. Principal Junaidi mentioned that students chose bamboo as the theme, and through designing products, calculating production costs, and formulating marketing plans, they improved their hands-on skills and innovative thinking, applied knowledge to practice, and achieved remarkable learning outcomes.
Suthida Chamrat, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, emphasized the cultivation of students’ scientific, technological, and innovative abilities through interdisciplinary learning and innovative projects, with a commitment to nurturing students with creative problem-solving skills and global citizenship competencies. Associate Professor Suthida pointed out that through cooperation with schools, students can develop personal, social, and global skills, thereby becoming active forces driving changes in science and innovation.
He Yonghong, Vice Principal of Minhang Middle School in Shanghai, introduced the school’s 3+1 science and innovation education system, which aims to enhance senior high school students’ innovative literacy through national curriculum, school-based elective courses, and comprehensive practical activities. Vice Principal He mentioned that the school focuses on experimental teaching and situational inquiry, encourages students to conduct small research projects, and promotes the generation of innovative achievements through collaboration between internal and external school resources. In addition, the school has established a science and innovation incubation fund to support students’ innovative projects and cultivate their practical abilities and teamwork spirit.
Ida Saidah, Head of the Office of Education, Sports, and Youth Affairs of Cianjur City, Indonesia, shared her experience in transforming traditional supervision methods into a partnership role with teachers and principals to support student-centered learning. Head Ida emphasized that through project-based learning and STEM training, the capabilities of teachers and principals in practical teaching are enhanced, and through active communication and cooperation, they are helped to achieve better results in education and promote the development of students’ innovative abilities.
Janejira Arsarkij, Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, introduced training on AI literacy and digital literacy to help teachers and students effectively use AI technology in teaching and learning. Janejira pointed out that AI, as a tool, can enhance creativity and expand human potential, but educational transformation still relies on the passion and dedication of teachers.
In the review session, Associate Professor Li Hui stated that STEM courses focus on localization and respect students’ needs, adopting a student-centered approach. She affirmed the role of project-based learning in STEM education, highlighting its role in cultivating students’ innovative abilities and other competencies, emphasized the importance of teachers, and called on principals to support teachers and build a sound educational ecosystem. Associate Professor Song Jia believed that STEM practice is an excellent way to cultivate students’ problem-solving abilities. Although many outstanding practical examples have been formed in the implementation of STEM education, in the 21st century, challenges such as balancing gender gaps, teaching reform, and traditional thinking still exist. Finally, Professor Jordan Naidoo made a summary. He pointed out that STEM is a concept and mindset that is evolving; it is essential to attach importance to equity and pay attention to its consequences. He called for strengthening interdisciplinary integration practices and cross-border exchanges, cultivating global citizenship awareness, and valuing teamwork.
On the morning of the event day, coinciding with the visit of the Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai University, Thailand to UNESCO TEC, Zhu Xiaohu, Project Director of UNESCO TEC, led the visiting group to tour the center and held a friendly exchange in the Mingyuan Hall. Professor Zhu Xiaohu introduced the center’s basic education research based on large-scale international educational surveys such as PISA and TALIS. Phakin Buranakruea, Vice Principal of the Demonstration School of Chiang Mai University, Thailand, shared information about Thailand’s participation in the PISA test. During the experience-sharing process, both parties raised questions freely and conducted in-depth discussions on issues such as educational equity and the characteristics of Chinese education.
Prior to this, the Indonesian Outstanding Principals Training and Exchange Group had conducted a week of study and exchange in Shanghai and Huainan. Through attending lectures and reports, visiting off-campus venues and schools, participating in meetings, and engaging in cultural exchanges, the Indonesian principals gained a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Chinese education, established good relationships with various parties, and laid a solid foundation for future educational and people-to-people exchanges between China and Indonesia.
