Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, bring the MISTI (MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives) Global Teaching Labs (GTL) program to local school pupils through a partnership with Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen.
Two students from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) are hosting workshops and delivering lessons at Robert Gordon’s College (RGC) that complement the school curriculum, highlighting MIT’s hands-on approach to education. This is the second year of a three year plan where undergraduate students are spending the month of January at Robert Gordon’s College and will this year work with pupils in Biology, Computing, Mathematics and Psychology.
Isabella Espinel, 21 years old and born in Venezuela, is undertaking a dual degree in Bachelor of Science in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Management Science at MIT and is working with senior school pupils in Biology and Psychology. Isabella said: “I think RGC is a fantastic school and the pupils as well as the staff have been most welcoming. I look forward to exposing the pupils to new topics in the life science, namely neuroscience, while sharing with them my experiences in the U.S. school and university system.”
Mayuri Sridhar, 21 years old and born in Singapore, is currently studying Computer Science and Mathematics at MIT and is working with senior school pupils in Computing Science and Mathematics. Mayuri has enjoyed internships with various technology organisations including Google Inc. Mayuri said: "Robert Gordon's College is a fast-moving and exciting place, both to teach and learn. Within a week of coming here I had the chance to work with a lot of the staff in the maths and computing departments and everyone has been really helpful and welcoming. I'm excited to share a different style of learning and my experiences in the States with the pupils and I'm hoping I'll get to learn how they approach problems and understand their culture and priorities better."
During the program Robert Gordon’s College will host workshops with attendance from other local schools to allow the MIT students to share their knowledge and experience with the wider community. Topics include Studying in American Universities, From Caesar Ciphers to Cybercrime, and What Humans can Learn from Rats.
Mr Simon Mills, Head of Robert Gordon’s College said: “We are excited to continue the partnership on the groundbreaking Global Teaching Lab Program with MIT supporting the education of local pupils learning from global leaders. Bringing international opportunities like this to the local classroom further demonstrates our ambitious plans and commitment to our pupils and their future locally, nationally and internationally.”