In a celebration of innovation and education, the Domus Aeminium auditorium at Colégio Novo de Coimbra was abuzz with enthusiasm on January 31st, 2024. The event, dedicated to promoting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) as a dynamic and effective learning approach, drew a crowd of seventy-five eager attendees, predominantly educators.
At the heart of the gathering was the unveiling of the groundbreaking book, «Steaming Ahead: Fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity,» edited by the esteemed José Alberto Lencastre from the University of Minho and Marco Bento from the Escola Superior de Educação de Coimbra. This seminal work, a product of the Steaming Ahead Erasmus Plus project, comprises eleven enriching chapters brimming with invaluable insights and experiences.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed figures, including Dr. Luís Gaspar, Director of Educational Technology Services at the regional directorate of education (Madeira island), and Dr. Pedro Coelho from HP Portugal. Guiding the proceedings with expertise and finesse was Dr. Marco Bento, the scientific coordinator of the Colégio 6.0 Project.
A special acknowledgment was extended to Dr. Hilda Pinto, Director of the Training Center of the Minerva Schools Association, whose collaboration and partnership in the Steaming Ahead project have been instrumental. Together with esteemed guests and partners, the event showcased not only the project’s current achievements but also its ambitious long-term visions—a testament to the commitment to shaping a future-ready educational landscape.
The organizers express heartfelt gratitude to Colégio Novo de Coimbra for their invaluable collaboration, underscoring their pivotal role in fostering innovation and progress in education. With such dedicated stakeholders and pioneering initiatives, the journey towards a future-focused educational paradigm is well underway, ensuring that schools evolve alongside the demands of the modern world.
