STEM Instructor Zack Moore Returns Home from Africa

This week, we welcomed back Fulbright Scholar Zack Moore from his month-long stint in Ghana, where he helped to implement STEM education at Ghana-Lebanon Islamic School. Of course, we had lots of questions about his incredible experience.

What was the most meaningful part of your recent teaching experience in Ghana?
Probably my time with the primary school students. We ran a team robotics competition that was so much fun. Many of the girls talked about wanting to continue with coding and robotics in their future studies. I hope that the foundation I laid will support these aspirations.

What surprised you most about working at Ghana-Lebanon Islamic School? Did this experience change your perspective on the educational experience at Laguna?
I was surprised at how welcoming they were. Ghana is known for its hospitality, but this was other worldly. I couldn’t go anywhere in the school without someone greeting me, hugging me, and/or trying to carry my bag. No one cared about my religious beliefs or where I came from. They were just excited to get to know me and to work together.

In what ways are Ghana-Lebanon and Laguna students alike?
Students at both schools seem to really care about how others are doing. It all comes back to that feeling of being welcomed.

Which cultural elements did you enjoy the most? Any favorite dishes, traditions, songs, or entertainment?
I enjoyed so many things. Just the basic handshake is fun. You finish it with a shared finger snap. My son, Shane, had that dialed in by the end of the trip. I will also miss some of the food staples. Fu Fu is probably my favorite. It is this starchy dough in a really spicy soup that you eat with your fingers. I start sweating just thinking about it.

What lessons did you learn throughout this experience that will shape the way you teach at Laguna?
I was constantly reminded that everyone has a story and unless you take the time to hear it, you can’t understand where they are coming from. Trying to understand and support, instead of judge, is something that I aspire to.

How did your teaching experience at Laguna influence the way you approached the classroom in Ghana?
The Ghanaian education system is built around these high stakes examinations that serve at gate-keepers to access higher educations. It is very stressful. It's kind of like APs, but with your actual future on the line. My goal while there was to think of ways to integrate meaningful project-based approaches to their STEM studies. I decided to focus on the junior high level. At that age, they are not fully entrenched in the testing cycle and have the time and freedom in their studies to take a deeper dive into authentic learning. I brought over my passion for design-thinking and tried to build meaningful projects and events that would inspire and interest students in STEM.

The school STEM club was something that I was really excited about. We met four times per week during 1.5-hour increments and delved into VEX and Sphero robotics and project-based computing. Students showcased their work to the school on the final day in an attempt to inspire peers and the younger students of GLIS to develop an interest in STEM fields.

Your family joined you in Ghana. What was the most transformative experiences for your young sons? What surprised them? What will they miss most? 
Putting them into classes at a predominantly girls’ Islamic school will be something they will remember for a long time. I think they were shocked at the discipline. It is reminiscent of Catholic schools a generation or so ago.
 
Your time in Ghana represented a full-circle moment for you. How has the educational landscape changed in Ghana since your time in the Peace Corps in 1997?
Sadly, not much has changed. It is still a very traditional model of memorizing content and spitting it back out. There is not much in the way practical applications. The ministry of education has recognized this is a problem and has tried to make changes, but has rushed some of the modifications in recent years with not much to show for in the way of results.

Do you have plans to return to Ghana?
I will definitely be going back. Also, my amazing Ghanaian counterpart, Asmau Ayub, is coming over for some time in late January to continue her training in STEM education. She will also be serving as one of the featured TEDx speakers in January. My hope is to create a meaningful partnership between schools from which our students and faculty can benefit.

We know the Middle School students helped to raise funds to purchase Spheros for students in Ghana. Are there any plans to build on this connection between your Laguna students and the students in Ghana?
I’m hoping to create a functional exchange program for students. GLIS students could spend time at Laguna supporting their STEM initiatives, like Robotics competitions and select Laguna seniors could work with GLIS during senior projects.

How does STEM education for Islamic girls affect the future?
I was drawn to this program by the inspirational nature of the challenge. Infusing STEM into the lives of a group of girls who are traditionally marginalized in their pursuit of education has the potential to create lasting shifts in their world view and future aspirations. My dream is to hear from one of these girls down the road when they are doing advanced studies in AI or something that is typically a world away from them right now.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your experience?
Go to Ghana. It is a wonderful place with wonderful people. Just a little hot! The average temperature was 90 degrees with 90% humidity.

PHOTOS FROM GHANA
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