The second annual Qatar Symposium on Science Teaching and Learning (March 7) brought together educators from universities, schools and industry across Qatar to exchange ideas and experience on teaching science laboratory courses.

The March event, at Qatar University (QU), included presentations and participation by WCMC-Q faculty and staff, including professor of physics Dr. Roger Hinrichs, lecturer in biology Dr. Christopher Ogden, associate professor of physiology and biophysics Dr. Lars Hedin, associate professor of organic chemistry Dr. Kevin Smith, and director of environmental health and safety Thomas Doyle.

Among the highlights of the day was a session led by Dr. Hedin on physiology in education. Dr. Hedin called for more physiology laboratory exercises in high school biology teaching to stimulate students to consider studying medicine.

Mr. Doyle gave an insight into Qatar University's Laboratory Management, Safety and Quality Control Course, which he helped to design and run.

QU biomedical sciences student Aysha Shibab said the course had provided her and her classmates with valuable skills that they would use in their careers.

Dr. Hinrichs and QU associate professor of physics Dr. Ilham Al-Qaradawi relayed their experience of teaching workshops for high school physics teachers.

"Almost 100 teachers from schools across Qatar explored ways to engage students through interactive demonstrations in a series of workshops last year," Dr. Hinrichs said. "The focus of the workshops was on teaching and learning by enquire."

Dr. Hinrichs said demonstrations and hands-on learning through experimentation were ways to challenge the students to be both curious and creative in their problem solving. “These are excellent ways to create enthusiasm and provide a great environment for learning,” he commented.

Owing to huge demand from teachers, two more workshops are scheduled for this year and there are plans to cater for chemistry and biology teachers from around the region.