Episode 9: STEM in the Classroom with Kamla Rambaran and Zélia Capitao-Tavares

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey and Pav are joined by Kamla Rambaran and Zélia Capitao-Tavares, two innovative educators who are making significant strides in integrating STEM, coding, and gaming into the classroom. Kamla and Zélia share their journey as teaching partners, their commitment to fostering community in learning spaces, and their passion for empowering students, particularly female-identifying students, through technology and collaboration.

The episode dives into their inspiring work with Girls Who Game, a program supported by Dell, Microsoft, and Intel that encourages girls to explore STEM fields by engaging in game-based learning. Kamla and Zélia reveal how this initiative has transformed their classrooms, helping students build critical skills like collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving. Through projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), students are motivated to design innovative solutions and see themselves as future leaders in STEM careers.

The conversation also highlights:

• How STEM and gaming break down traditional barriers to learning.


• The role of transferable skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork, in shaping students’ futures.


• The power of representation and mentorship in encouraging girls to pursue STEM opportunities.


• Practical tips for educators on fostering authentic, student-driven learning environments.

Kamla and Zélia share heartwarming stories of students whose aspirations shifted toward STEM-focused futures, as well as their vision for expanding eSports and post-secondary partnerships. Their dedication to creating equitable and engaging learning spaces is an inspiration for educators everywhere.

Join us for this enlightening discussion, and learn how Kamla and Zélia are reshaping the possibilities of education with creativity, technology, and purpose.

If you'd like to reach out to the hosts of "Teacher Talk" or any of the guests featured on the podcast, please send an email to ⁠⁠teachertalk@ett.on.ca⁠⁠.

"Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast" is a Chey and Pav Educational Services, Inc. Production.

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