SMASE Africa mounts the 16th regional conference on mathematics, science and technology education in Africa (COMSTEDA 16) held in Botswana

The 16th Regional Conference for Mathematics, Science & Technology Education in Africa (COMSTEDA 16) was hosted by SMASE-Africa in partnership with the Ministry of Basic Education, Botswana from November 5-9, 2018 in Maun, Botswana focusing on the theme; Teacher Professional Development in Africa: Knowledge, Skills and Values in STEM Learning Environments. (INSET: Prof. Jill Adler (centre), the keynote speaker during a plenary session). COMSTEDA 16 provided a forum for educators to interrogate issues, share ideas, practices and challenges relating to teaching and learning Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in respective countries with a view to improve the quality of education. The conference brought together educators, policy makers, researchers, teachers, NGOs, both public and private sector and learners.
The conference presentations were guided by five thematic strands as follows:
Teacher Professional Development in Africa; Developing Knowledge, skills and values in STEM learning/teaching engagements; STEM Curriculum Development, Implementation and Assessment – From Theory to Innovations; The School Culture and Learning in the STEM areas; The role of professional associations in the STEM Teaching and Learning environments and The use of ICT towards STEM teaching and learning.

A total of 103 abstracts were reviewed and approved for presentation in the conference. The presenters were drawn from different institutions and organizations such as; Human Resources Development Council (HRDC), Botswana Examination Council (BEC), Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Mel Pole College of Education (MCE), Serowe College of Education (SCE) and University of Botswana (UB).