Grooming Future Scientists and Engineers from the Root through Fun Learning Concept

Abstract

The development of the Fun Learning Toy Library is beneficial in many ways. The STEM concept Fun Learning Toy Library provides a conducive environment for pre-school children to develop their interest in science and technology at a very young age. It is hoped that with the facility in place at rural areas, these young children will be motivated to develop a deep interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for their future endeavour. This paper describes the development of Fun Learning Toy Library (FLTL) at a rural school in Kelantan, and to evaluate its impact on the preschool students especially in learning STEM. The enjoyable and fun learning concept of learning ‘difficult’ subjects like sciences and mathematics has also overcome the trauma effect of the natural disaster that the students face. It was reported that many of these young children lost their homes and had difficulty going to school; some for the fear of being separated from their families after their homes and village were badly hit by flood. Having the toy library in school, these children become excited and motivated to attend school every day. Additionally, analysis from the observations shows other intangible benefit of this project, which are the networking and bonding that was developed among the volunteers, partners and the local community, particularly the school teachers and students alike. The teachers’ participation in the implementation of STEM activities is dynamic and promising.