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InnovationOctober 2, 2006 / Number 6
A way of lifeBy Antonio Zárate
"I'm going to study Sociology because I don't like Math," "Chemistry just doesn't go with me," "I don't understand the logic of Physics," "Why do I have to study Biology if I will not work in analyzing plants and animals?" These are some of the expressions heard from students of all levels, from elementary school to college. It seems as though sciences is their number-one enemy. What many of them do not know is that a good handling of scientific methods is essential in order to develop logical thinking and understand the whys of our surroundings. The rejection of exact sciences is due, to a large extent, to the lack of pedagogical methods that stimulate a critical and analytical spirit in the students. In other words, the traditional systems focus on memorizing rather than on understanding. It is evident that there is a lot to be done in the world of teaching. That is why one of the strategies of the Monterrey, International City of Knowledge Program is t o redesign the agenda for the State's educational system. The universities have made a great effort in reviewing and improving their curricula; however, changes must begin at basic education. In this sense, the Science and Technology for Children Program is very important. The program is taught to more than 21 thousand children in 83 schools in Nuevo Leon. This initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Public Education with the support of the Mexico-US Foundation for Science (FUMEC) and Innovation in the Teaching of Science (INNOVEC), causes children to approach science with curiosity and without fear. With this program, students develop their observation abilities. This leads them to inquire, experiment, analyze, compare, and reflect. The end result of this process is a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon, a concept or a problem. This experiential and dynamic learning process produces a true change in children. Those who live through this type of experience are no longer satisfied with listening to the teacher and learning by memorization; they want to understand.
Science is for children tooMore than 21,600 pre-school and elementary school students learn how to make their own discoveries through the Science and Technology for Children Program, which is one of Monterrey, International City of Knowledge's strategic projects.In order to understand science, you must experience it with all of your senses. You must observe, smell, hear, feel, and, sometimes, even taste. That is exactly what pre-school and elementary school children are doing in the Science and Technology for Children Program (CTN). For these children, each class is an opportunity to experiment and make their own discoveries. The program is operating in 83 of Nuevo Leon's schools, and is based on Experiential Teaching and Science Inquiry Systems (SEVIC), which were developed in the United States by the following three organisms: National Academy of Sciences, Smithsonian Institute, and National Science Resources Center (NSRC). The methodology was adapted for the natural sciences teaching system in Mexico by the Mexico-US Foundation for Science (FUMEC), with the support of the Ministry of Public Education and the Mexican Academy of Sciences. FUMEC is promoting the program throughout the country through Innovation in the Teaching of Science (INNOVEC), a non-profit organization made up of academicians, entrepreneurs, and members of the educational system. "The Science and Technology for Children Program was implemented in Nuevo Leon in 1998, through a pilot project in which 8 schools participated. Since 2002, it's being applied in a systematic way, and is presently operating in 11 municipalities, with the participation of 750 teachers," said Adriana Elizondo, Coordinator of Science and Technology for the Ministry of Education in the State. "We use a constructivist methodology so that students learn to observe, handle, analyze, ask, and answer. It is an approach that is completely centered on the student, seeking to stimulate team work and the confrontation of ideas," she added. "SEVIC's take the child's innate curiosity and interest in understanding their surroundings as the starting point. The research work they carry out allows them to learn by asking questions and looking for answers," states Guillermo Fernandez, FUMEC's Executive Director. "Emphasis is placed on observation, so that children learn to pay attention to details. As they do this, they move forwards one step at a time, until they are capable of stating hypotheses and carry out experiments," he points out. Teachers measure the students' progress regarding abilities, attitudes, and knowledge, through the application of special evaluations. "We are interested in watching their achievements regarding observation, analysis, and reflection," says Fernandez. In order for the program to work, executives and teachers must commit themselves to apply the methodology and attend the training programs specially designed for this project. Fernandez explains that teachers are never alone. A technical-pedagogical consultant supports each teacher in the classroom and helps them to improve their teaching strategies. More than 250,000 children from Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, Coahuila, Veracruz, Aguascalientes, the State of Mexico, and Puebla are currently participating in this educational program. Fernandez says that Nuevo Leon is the leading state in the application of the program, considering the number of children, schools, and teachers involved. Nuevo Leon also occupies a prominent position with regards to training plans and its capacity to implement those plans. "We now have the support of the Monterrey, International City of Knowledge Program, since one of its strategies is to redesign the agenda for the Nuevo Leon educational system, so that future generations develop knowledge and innovation," he adds. "Next year looks very promising for the Science and Technology for Children Program because, for the first time, the states will receive financial support from the Federal Government," states Fernandez.
NEURONS IN ACTIONThe City of Knowledge is a Community ProjectCAINTRA brings entrepreneurs closer to the world of innovation and technological development.The Monterrey, International City of Knowledge Program is the current Nuevo Leon State Government's extraordinary contribution, but it is now time for society to become part of it. "It is essential for the community to adopt this project so that it can be strengthened and consolidated. We have to work together, government, entrepreneurs, universities, and all citizens," states Guillermo Dillon, General Director of the Nuevo Leon Chamber of Transformation Industry (CAINTRA).  He points out that one of CAINTRA's priorities is to bring small and medium businesses closer to innovation and technological development. "For several years, we have been incorporating special courses, workshops, seminars, and other services to develop awareness among entrepreneurs regarding the importance of innovation as the differentiating factor," says the executive. He states that many entrepreneurs do not identify themselves with these themes: "It is necessary to take them by the hand during the first stage so they realize that there are no restrictions on size or field of operation." Dillon explains that CAINTRA works in coordination with the Monterrey International City of Knowledge Program to organize workshops, seminars, and dialogues with experts. "The TRIZ workshops are an excellent example of this collaborative work. The City of Knowledge organizes them, and the Chamber promotes them among its members so they will know the advantages and scope of a methodology designed to generate patentable ideas," he adds. "These workshops have helped to link businesses with universities," he points out. "Another important aspect is the Research and Technology Innovation Park (PIIT), which will be a gathering place for the entrepreneurial, academic and scientific sectors. In fact, our furniture manufacturing members will establish the Integral Center for Technological Development of Furniture," says Dillon. "A change of culture is brewing," says the executive. "And when entrepreneurs discover the benefits of innovation and technological development, a virtuous circle is generated."
FUTURE EVENTS OCTOBER 5-7 OCTOBER 13 OCTOBER 25-27
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