Fong builds super STEM book for CSEC students

Two decades ago, as a struggling student at Innswood High School, Nkrumah Fong was not dreaming about innovation or national awards. He was trying to survive the classroom.

Diagnosed with dyslexia, the now 36-year-old scientist found traditional learning methods frustrating and, at times, overwhelming.

"I struggled to learn the traditional way," Fong admitted. "I had to create my own method just to keep up."

Instead of relying on scattered notebooks and hurried class notes, he built his own system. He gathered printed materials, formulas, summaries and practice questions, organising everything into a single, carefully structured binder.

"Everybody knew me never have a normal notebook. What I had look like one binder with whole heap a things inna it. Long before the class reach a topic, I already had the material," he recalled.

What began as a coping strategy has since evolved into a structured learning tool called Let's STEM Together -- a specialised notebook designed to help students preparing for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations (CSEC), particularly in the aftermath of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring hurricanes.

After leaving high school, Fong pursued studies in applied chemistry and mathematics and went on to build a 15-year career as a scientist. When he later entered the classroom as a teacher, the study method that once helped him thrive became a blueprint for his students.

"I encouraged students to use the same system but instead of waiting on them to organise themselves, I did it for them," he explained. "I printed the material, structured it, and told them, 'This is your notebook -- use this.' And they did well."

The true turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdown.

"When school shut down, students were lost. They were not going to classes, dem not sure what to study. That is when I said, 'Alright, let me turn this into an actual product.'"

The result is what he describes as a "super resource notebook" -- a single text that combines printed notes with digital support. QR codes embedded throughout the book give students access to the official syllabus, expanded explanations and past examination papers.

"It's about putting everything in one place. If a student misses class, if a teacher absent, the book still guides them. It's self-assist, self-taught methodology," Fong said.

CONDENSED CONTENT

Designed to last for two years of study, the notebook condenses hundreds of pages of syllabus content into focused, must-cover areas to help students prioritise what is essential.

"We take hundreds of pages of syllabus and crunch it down to the must-cover areas. Students no longer feel overwhelmed because they can see exactly what they need to know. If there is a change in the syllabus we update that in the QR code and advertise it so they are always up to speed."

The innovation comes amid ongoing concern about student performance in mathematics and science. Fong believes that better organisation and structured preparation can significantly improve outcomes.

"The issue is not just teaching, it's preparation. Some students don't know how to structure their notes or follow along. This realigns their attention."

Feedback, he said, has been encouraging.

"One parent told me, 'We shoulda get this long time.' Students say the syllabus no longer intimidating," Fong shared. "The only complaint I ever hear is that the book heavy -- but that's because everything inside it."

Beyond exam preparation, the resource also integrates climate-change awareness, encouraging students to think about sustainability alongside academic success.

"Every book has a page reminding students about sustainability. We want them to pass exams, but also to think about the future."