Challenges in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Education in Cape Verde: A Study of a Mathematics Teacher Training Project

This study investigates strategies to empower Cape Verdean mathematics teachers in adopting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) methodologies, focusing on mathematics education. Using an interactive, reflective continuous professional development (CPD) model-including teaching simulations, classroom practice, and structured reflection-qualitative research was conducted via thematic analysis of published data over two project-training cycles. In the first cycle, 27 teachers participated, with 24 later acting as trainers in the second cycle, which involved 44 non-higher education teachers. The project, a collaboration between institutions in Cape Verde, Portugal, and Austria, was guided by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. GeoGebra software was employed to support STEAM adoption. Results indicate significant advancements in teachers' technological and pedagogical skills, leading to improved student engagement and understanding. However, challenges remain, especially in integrating STEAM across disciplines due to limited resources and a lack of systemic CPD. The study concludes that sustained support is essential for fully embedding STEAM in Cape Verde's education system.