MIT USA Empowering the Teachers Program for Science and Engineering Academics from African Universities

Empowering The Teachers Program:
MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT)

Program(s) Offered: Education (science, engineering)
Program Level: Fellowship (teaching, research)
Provider: MIT/ Total Nigeria/ NNPC/ Petrobras
Country to Study in: USA

Scholarship Description
The MIT-Empowering the Teachers (MIT-ETT) program at MIT strives to foster innovation in science and engineering education in tertiary academic institutions in Africa through an intense engagement with faculty members from African universities.

The approach to science and engineering education in African universities is yet to adopt a focus on problem solving, innovation and creativity. Furthermore standards in these tertiary institutions have retrogressed due to severe neglect and lack of investment. Curricular and assessment methods have not adopted practices that encourage critical thinking, open ended problem solving and creativity, rather they are still built around teacher-centered lecture rooms that focus on information acquisition, memorization and regurgitation at closed book examination. Consequently, these academic institutions have not produced science and engineering graduates needed by industry to add value.

The overarching goal of MIT-ETT is to facilitate the development of young African faculty leadership in science and engineering education who will introduce innovation and creativity into science and engineering curricular.

Eligibility
The program invites young, brilliant and upcoming African academics, who recently completed their doctoral degree, to spend an intensive and inclusive semester at MIT in a bid to understudy the mode (& dynamics) of curricula development and content delivery at MIT.

The only participating departments at this time are: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering

Eligible groups
Citizens of African countries

Participating Institutions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI); USA

Fields of study
Science and engineering education

Number of awards
Not specified

Program benefits
The aim is to facilitate in African institutions improved teaching content development that is geared towards: (1) students-centered content delivery (2) problem solving and (3) creativity. This amongst other things will result in the development new courses and the modification of existing curricula to ones that are geared towards critical thinking, open ended problem solving and hands-on design but also promote innovation and creativity. While at MIT, these African academics develop new course content for their home universities which are consistent with the objectives of developing these skills in their students.

During their semester at MIT, Fellows do the following:

• observe instruction in their own disciplines & subjects 
• interact with MIT faculty teaching in their own disciplines & subjects 
• develop courses based on problem-solving approach inspired by equivalent course at MIT 
• discuss & explore curricular enrichment & reform through both formal and informal interaction with the MIT community

The ultimate goal is to reform current curricular using new materials, approaches and methods that exemplify the best of MIT’s practices: problem-solving, student-centered, innovation and bringing knowledge to bear on the world’s greatest challenges.

Method of Application
To apply, please complete the 2019-2020 Program Application Form, then send:

1. the completed application form;
2. a copy of your current curriculum vitae (please include which coding languages you know);
3. a copy of 1 research paper and 1 conference paper that best represents your work/your areas of interest.

Please send (a), (b), and (c) as ONE [non-secured] PDF attachment in ONE email to: yoavd@mit.edu. Incomplete applications will *NOT* be considered.

It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information.

DEADLINES:
The closing date to apply is Saturday, November 18, 2018 8pm EST

PLEASE NOTE:
MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) is MIT’s pioneering international education program. MISTI matches MIT students with tailored internship, research and teaching opportunities abroad. It also facilitates international faculty collaborations and develop partnerships with leading companies, research institutes and universities around the world.

Application Deadline: 18 November 2018
Open to International Applicants: Yes (ONLY Africans)

More Scholarship Information and Application

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