Mentorship in Action: A Transformative Learning Experience
In the 2023-2024 school year, Centennial Senior Public School and Brampton Centennial Secondary School led the Engage, Build, and Wonder initiative within the EML STEAM Mentorship Program. This initiative, supported by the Leading Education and Innovation Project (LEIP), empowered students to act as mentors, guiding their younger peers through STEAM-based learning experiences across ten schools.
By integrating student mentorship, iPad technology, and design thinking, the project encouraged students to become creative problem-solvers and innovators, transforming how technology is used to support student learning and agency.
Building Future-Ready Skills: Training Student Mentors
A key element of this initiative was developing student mentors as leaders in STEAM learning. Secondary school mentors participated in Apple Creative Learning sessions, where they honed skills in:
- Storytelling through digital tools
- Design thinking to solve real-world challenges
- Creative problem-solving using iPads and innovative apps
Additionally, mentors participated in EML STEAM Foundation workshops, exploring tools such as Micro:bit, Strawbees, and prototyping. This training prepared them to lead younger students and foster a culture of collaboration, inquiry, and innovation.
Hands-On STEAM Learning: Empowering Younger Students
Once trained, the secondary school mentors worked directly with students in grades 4-8, guiding them through immersive STEAM challenges. The goal was to cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity while encouraging students to design solutions with an empathetic perspective.
Through Keynote animation, Clips, and iPad-based design tools, students engaged in digital storytelling and interactive projects that captured their learning journeys. These projects were deeply connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the idea that STEAM learning can drive real-world change.
Key inquiry questions guided student exploration:
- How can iPads enhance creativity and problem-solving?
- How does technology help us tell meaningful stories?
- What does innovation look like in a future-ready classroom?
Showcasing Innovation: The LEIP Student Showcase
In June 2024, the LEIP Showcase provided a powerful platform for EML STEAM mentors and mentees to present their work to educators, community members, and system leaders. Students showcased their technology-driven projects, demonstrating how mentorship, design thinking, and digital creativity can revolutionize learning.
The event was attended by senior leadership, including the Director of Education, reinforcing the value of student agency in technology integration. Throughout the event, student mentors reflected on the impact of their experience:
- Developing leadership and facilitation skills
- Strengthening their understanding of STEAM concepts
- Inspiring younger students to become innovators and changemakers
Impact and Looking Ahead: A Model for Student-Driven Learning
The EML STEAM Mentorship Program has demonstrated the power of peer mentorship in education. By positioning students as leaders and facilitators, the initiative has established a sustainable model for building STEAM capacity across multiple schools.
Looking ahead, the Engage, Build, and Wonder framework will continue to evolve, ensuring that more students have access to meaningful, student-centred learning experiences that foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
As educators, we have a vital role in amplifying student voices and creating opportunities for leadership and innovation. The success of this program highlights the transformative potential of student-driven learning, reinforcing that when students take the lead, the future of education becomes more dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring.
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