An American teacher gives a class in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Zhejiang Education WeChat]

A two-week teaching program given by 30 teachers from Indiana, the United States came to an end in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 13.

The group of teachers were invited by the province to demonstrate the STEM educational concept, a new teaching methodology that was created in the United States, and emphasizes the integration of different disciplines. The acronym stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"The program is aimed at fostering a student's ability in hands-on practice and team work," said Jill Woerner, leader of the American teaching group.

The courses taught during the program covered a variety of subjects, including integrated circuits, robots, outer space, architecture and aeronautical engineering. Students were encouraged to find answers by themselves.

"Usually Chinese teachers impart the knowledge to us, but American teachers let us find the answers by ourselves," said Chen Lihan, a middle school student who participated in this year's program in Hangzhou.

Besides students, teachers from around Zhejiang also took part in the program by attending lectures, observing classes and talking with their American peers.

"The program creates more opportunities for students to practice, which we should learn from to improve our classes," said Huang Dinghan from a local primary school, after observing the courses taught by the American teachers.

"It's an innovative move to let our students take American classes," said Han Ping, vice director of Zhejiang's education department. He hoped the observations and exploration of the STEM program will boost educational innovation in the province.