The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Qatar University’s College of Education have completed a two-day workshop to help future teachers integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into classroom learning.
The programme, Discovering STEAM Learning at NMoQ, welcomed 36 undergraduate education students, including those preparing for or undertaking school-based teaching practice. It formed part of the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival.
The initiative focused on museum-based learning and its potential to support school curricula. It also explored how teachers can use cultural heritage, museum collections and real-world experiences to make STEAM subjects more accessible to pupils.
Qatar museum workshop links heritage with classroom learning
The workshop introduced participants to NMoQ’s approach to combining Qatar’s heritage and cultural knowledge with STEAM education.
Through practical activities and discussions, students explored how museum collections and historical objects can help explain concepts across different subjects. As a result, participants gained insights into how educators can connect classroom lessons with familiar objects, stories and places.
Nadya Al Saleh, Director of the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival and Acting Deputy Director of Learning and Outreach at NMoQ, highlighted the role museums can play in extending education beyond schools.
“Museums can extend learning beyond the classroom, giving teachers and students opportunities to connect curriculum subjects with objects, heritage and real-world experiences,” she said.
Al Saleh added that the programme allowed future educators to experience the museum’s learning activities and understand how to adapt them for their own classrooms.
Two-day programme explores practical STEAM teaching methods
The first day focused on STEAM learning activities already available at NMoQ. Students participated in sessions at the STEAM Lab and joined a thematic gallery tour.
They also attended a library session featuring the Silk Roads Game. Reflection and experience-sharing sessions helped participants consider how these activities could support teaching.
On the second day, museum specialists, Qatar University academics and education professionals examined the educational methods behind the activities.
Discussions covered STEAM learning beyond its traditional definition, the role of museums in education and the development of museum workshops. Participants also explored collaboration between teachers and museum educators.
Other sessions examined STEAM learning in early childhood and the use of objects, culture and place in everyday teaching.
Qatar University highlights experiential learning for future teachers
The partnership also supports Qatar University’s focus on practical learning and community engagement.
Alshaima Alyafei, Section Head of Learning Support at Qatar University’s College of Education, said the collaboration gave students an authentic learning experience.
She added that the initiative supported the university’s commitment to experiential learning, innovation and community engagement.
For future teachers, such programmes offer an opportunity to explore teaching methods outside conventional classroom settings. They can also help educators consider how cultural institutions can complement formal education.
The workshop brought together higher education and museum professionals to examine practical ways of connecting curriculum subjects with Qatar’s cultural heritage. Its focus was on equipping aspiring teachers with approaches they can adapt to their future classrooms.
