THE CENTRE FOR GENOMIC REGULATION PUTS SIX MIT STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS

The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) works with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on various researcher training schemes through its International Science and Technology Initiatives programme (MISTI). Now, and for the first time in Spain, the Catalan research centre is hosting the Global Teaching Labs programme that brings science and technology to secondary school students.

The MISTI Global Teaching Labs programme encourages students from MIT to share their knowledge and vision of science and technology with society. To do this, final year students have three weeks in January to participate in an international programme and take the science and philosophy of MIT to classrooms in other countries. In addition, these same students will have the opportunity of sharing a day with the young scientists at the CRG so that they can all evaluate and talk about the different ways of working in science.

 

The CRG in Barcelona is coordinating, for the first time in Spain, the MISTI Global Teaching Labs programme which has already seen success in Germany, Italy, Israel and Mexico. Six MIT students will spend three weeks teaching practical classes in 17 different institutes and secondary schools all over Catalonia. 

"This type of programme should be encouraged more; our experience has been very positive. It is fantastic that a student from such a prestigious centre can share their experiences and ways of transmitting and living science", affirms Carlos Giménez, teacher at the Colegi Sant Gabriel in Viladecans. “The interaction of our students with external experts is a key factor for the development of scientific vocations and it also emphasizes the importance of learning languages like English, the language in which all of the activities have been carried out", he continues.

Jonathan Lui, one of the MIT students who is in Barcelona for these days says "this is one of the most unbelievable and amazing experiences I have ever had. This is my first time in Barcelona and first time teaching. The schools have welcomed me with open arms and I've found the students to be extremely intelligent, excited, and engaged in the material." The MIT students, as well as giving classes at various secondary schools, are also staying with host families for these weeks so that their time in our country is a unique experience allowing them to get to know our culture and lifestyle first hand.

 

Links of interest:

Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)

MISTI Global Teaching Labs

 

For further information and interviews:

Press Office - Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)

Laia Cendrós · Tel. +34 93 316 02 37.