**5. Teacher's role in STEM education**

The role of teacher in a STEM classroom is different than that in a conventional classroom. The teacher in a STEM classroom is more of a facilitator, a guide and a

#### *STEM Integration in Resource Constrained Environments DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.113066*

mentor who poses the right questions at the right time, nudges students in the right direction, encourages students to collaborate and co-create, facilitates construction of knowledge and creates opportunities for students to express themselves without any apprehensions and inhibitions. This role requires an intentional effort to keep the teacher's interference to a minimum and let the children's creativity guide the process of self-discovery.

In this regard, training teachers for this role becomes a very important aspect of any STEM program. No amount of technology, hardware and software can make a program successful unless fully trained and motivated teachers are there to support and own the program with full enthusiasm. Some of the key objectives of a Teacher Training Program are to make teachers understand the full potential of STEM methodology, equip teachers with required knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to be successful in their role. Particular emphasis is given on the Engineering Design Process (EDP), interdisciplinary approach, key elements of STEM lesson plans and STEM sessions, tools and strategies for classroom management during STEM sessions, assessment for learning and differentiated learning.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, whether online or inperson provide an effective means to stay abreast with new developments, learn new skills particularly related to technology, and address challenges and shortcomings encountered during prior STEM sessions. These also serve as a platform to share experiences and promote cross-fertilization of ideas for continuous quality improvement.
