A unique collaborative research project between Solihull College & University Centre and the GBSIoT is reaping positive results when it comes to working with SEND students.
Foundation Learning lecturer, Craig McCauley, is conducting the project. He’s integrating STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) into the curriculum for students who are aged between 16-18 and who have a broad spectrum of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Craig comments: “Over the past two years, I’ve observed and documented case studies to measure the impact of this integration, focusing on the development of vital skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and confidence-building.
“My approach utilises a hands-on toolkit comprising technical Lego, 3D printing, virtual reality, robots, and coding modules to actively engage students. These tools not only serve educational purposes but also facilitate vocational explorations embedded within skills development units of the curriculum. Specifically, they cater to enhance the capabilities of students who might face challenges such as autism, deafness, muteness, low confidence, or anxiety, offering them alternative ways to excel and collaborate with peers.”
The project is carried out in collaboration with the GBSIoT, which supplied the equipment and training. Craig says there is a positive shift going forward as he starts to see a marked increase in student engagement.
“Even those students who were once reserved have begun to exhibit leadership qualities and effective communication skills, thriving in an environment that traditionally posed challenges.”
As the research has shown positive preliminary outcomes, it has been extended to include a pilot programme partnered with the Maths team. It will look at coding and robotics, as new and innovative methods for teaching maths, further expanding the prospects for students to engage with STEM fields in a manner that aligns with their unique learning needs.
Solihull College & University Centre is proud to be the lead partner of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
Institutes of Technology are collaborations between further education colleges, universities and employers. They specialise in delivering higher technical education (at Levels 4 and 5) with a focus on STEM subjects. IoTs focus on the specific technical skills needs required in their area. They provide employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment.
