Events

Scholarship Exchange Webinar

Date: Wednesday 26 June 2024 12:00 - 13:00

Location: Online (MS Teams)

Speaker 1: Dr Adijat Omowumi Inyang (Wumi)

Title: Building a Collaborative Sociocultural Impact Network for STEM Education (SINE)

Abstract: Collaboration is essential for enhancing our understanding of the sociocultural factors affecting the representation of underrepresented students in STEM education. This presentation will highlight the importance of establishing a dedicated research network for this purpose; outlining the goals and structure of the proposed Sociocultural Impact Network for STEM Education (SINE) and explore potential areas for joint research efforts. The aim is to create SINE, a research focus group committed to addressing sociocultural gaps and supporting underrepresented students in STEM. I believe that your expertise and dedication to inclusive education can greatly contribute to this initiative. I invite colleagues to share their interests and ideas for future projects, with the goal of building a vibrant and supportive research community.

Short Bio: Dr Adijat Omowumi Inyang (Wumi) is a lecturer in the School of Engineering and Materials Science at the Queen Mary University of London. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Committed to fostering greater participation and representation in the STEM fields, she engages in mentorship and various outreach programmes and initiatives.

Speaker 2: Dr Shafique Ahmed

Title: Enhancing Student Engagement and Experience through Gamified Flipped Learning using Kahoot! at QMES Xi'an, China

Abstract: Flipped learning has revolutionized education by moving direct instruction outside traditional classrooms, allowing for richer, more personalized interactions during class time. However, its success is highly dependent on students' self-motivation to engage with asynchronous activities. At Queen Mary Engineering School (QMES) in Xi'an, China, the adoption of flipped learning highlighted challenges, such as insufficient pre-class preparation and low engagement. This project integrates gamification into the flipped learning model using Kahoot! to enhance student engagement and improve academic performance. By incorporating competitive quizzes and interactive sessions, the aim is to make learning more engaging, thereby fostering consistent participation in asynchronous activities. This talk will discuss the systematic implementation and evaluation of this gamified approach and its potential to transform educational strategies across various settings.

Bio: Dr Shafique Ahmed is a Lecturer in Materials and Surface Science Education at Queen Mary University of London, currently teaching at Queen Mary Engineering School in Xi'an, China. With a Ph.D. in Materials Science and both MEng and BEng degrees in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Dr Ahmed has over a decade of experience in academia, teaching various materials engineering subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research focuses on enhancing student engagement through innovative teaching methodologies, including gamified flipped learning. Dr Ahmed's commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment is reflected in his pedagogical approach, which integrates practical applications and innovative technologies to enrich the educational experience. His current project on gamified flipped learning aims to improve student engagement and academic performance, particularly in transnational education contexts.