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.”
GBSIoT supplied the equipment and training to staff at Solihull College as part of their wider STEM community outreach programme. 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 within Solihull College, 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 a proud partner of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) and as such its staff and students benefit from incredible additional resources. We look forward to seeing the wider impact Craig’s hard work with this programme has on future students across Solihull College & University Centre.
