Georgia State Professor Delivers TEDx Talk on Transformative STEM Education Methods

ATLANTA — Hamed Laroui, a senior lecturer in Georgia State’s Department of Chemistry, has figured out how to reduce failure rates among his students. He shared his insights during the University of Algiers’ TEDx event titled “Inspiring Youth for a Brighter Future.”

“The experience was a bit surreal, to be honest,” Laroui said. “Standing in front of a packed auditorium at the University of Algiers knowing that my words could spark new ways of thinking felt incredibly powerful. I realized how universal computational thinking really is.”

Laroui’s presentation, titled “How STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Tutoring Can Transform Your Learning Journey,” highlights a systematic approach that has dramatically improved student outcomes. His innovative four-step methodology — focusing on decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithm design — has reduced failure rates from 26 percent to 3 percent while doubling the number of A grades among his students.

“The data demonstrates that when students learn to break down complex problems into manageable steps, they not only improve their grades but also develop lasting problem-solving skills,” Laroui said.

Laroui said the audience’s reaction and subsequent conversation following his TEDx lecture is a testament to how relevant and important these concepts are in today’s rapidly evolving world.

“What struck me most was how the discussion went beyond just chemistry. It became a conversation about problem-solving, creativity and adaptability — skills crucial for students, professionals and even policymakers alike,” Laroui said. “To me, computational thinking is as much about fostering a way of approaching the world as it is about understanding technology itself.”

At Georgia State, Laroui has become instrumental in developing the university’s STEM tutoring center, where his teaching methodology has been successfully implemented through voluntary tutoring sessions. His approach emphasizes the transition from passive to active learning, encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journey.

“It’s not just about a STEM education approach, it’s about learning to approach problems with a structured, analytical mindset, no matter your background or field. Being part of that dialogue, especially with students who are shaping the future, is a reminder of the responsibility we have as educators and communicators to inspire and challenge the next generation,” Laroui said.

To watch Laroui’s TEDx talk and learn how his methodology can help students with their educational journey, click here.

For more information about Georgia State University’s STEM tutoring programs, click here.

— By Stephanie Scott