STEM on TikTok Spotlight: @theleavingcerthub

The #STEMTok community on TikTok is thriving, with more and more young people engaging with science, technology, engineering, and maths content on the platform. In line with this trend, earlier this year TikTok launched a feed dedicated to STEM across Europe. Since the launch, close to a third of teens across Ireland and the UK are now visiting TikTok's dedicated STEM feed on a weekly basis, and STEM content in Ireland has grown by 20% since its launch. This month, we're spotlighting some of the standout Irish STEM creators who are leading the charge, including Conor Duffy (@theleavingcerthub), who gives their followers study tips and tricks, detailed notes, projects, and sample answers, and subject guides in a way that's both educational and entertaining. Read more below!

Q: How did you get into STEM, and what motivated you to share it on TikTok specifically?A: Maths and Biology were two of my favourite Leaving Cert subjects. During my own studies I noticed that a lot of my peers were over studying, stressed out beyond belief, and receiving sub par grades as a result. In March of 2023 I decided to combat this by creating a 'Crash Course' for six of my best Leaving Cert subjects which showcased how to study efficiently. I decided to market this on Tiktok as it was the best platform to post short, engaging, and informal content that students could really identify with. Thousands of followers, millions of interactions, and 18 months later we now plan to offer H1-student-created guides and grinds for all Science and Maths related subjects.

Q: What are your top tips for students heading back to school this year?A: My top tips for students would be to focus more on curating a balanced life. They should develop a routine and schedule rather than diving so deep into their studies that they burn out before the exam season. Focus on studying the ways that work for you and not for others. Study with your friends and make it a social experience rather than locking yourself away in your room for hours on end. Don't be too hard on yourself, take days off, and enjoy the process of learning a little bit more each day!

Q: What STEM trends are you currently loving on TiKTok?A: It is great to see the number of past students using the platform to showcase their own personal ways of studying, and educating the newer class of students in a more engaging, informal way.

Q: What are your main tips for STEM students ahead of the exams?A: Do what works for you. If you are a visual learner, watch educational TikTok videos. If you are an auditory learner, listen to educational podcasts as you go about your daily life. If you are a reading/writing learner, read important topics and rewrite them in your own words. Be as silly as you can when writing in your own words, I'm a firm believer in writing your notes in a way that is memorable FOR YOU!

One thing that myself and my friends did when studying for Leaving Cert Biology was engaging in darts tournaments which acted as study sessions. We asked each other Biology exam questions while having day-to-day, engaging conversations. I couldn't recommend something like this enough as it never felt like studying and we could also connect through the stress and pressures of the exams.

Q: What has been the reaction from your followers since you started posting TikToks?A: The reaction has been phenomenal which can be seen by our engagement on Tiktok. Without taking away from the work of the amazing Leaving Certificate teachers, we must try to engage with students in a way that everyone can understand. Some students physically can not concentrate on a 300 page novel, but a 1 minute video summary on TikTok can give students a strong base of knowledge on a particular text in no time!

Q: What is the biggest challenge for students in STEM? How do you help them overcome it?A: The biggest challenge for students is the workload, specifically the amount of different terms and definitions that need to be learned by heart for exams. What we can do to combat this is to seek help from previous top students and learn from them.

Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?A: Tricky question. I would say that my favourite TikTok I have made to date was one I posted five days before the Leaving Cert exams began this year. It was the first time I opened up and gave a very personal story to my followers. It was a simple message for students which opened with: "Five days out and the nerves are starting to kick in. When I did my Leaving Cert, I remember thinking that it was everything, this would decide my whole future and if I didn't get my dream course my life would be ruined." I then go on to explain my own story and while you should do your absolute best in your exams, things will work out for you either way. If you get subpar results, you will end up in a course where you will meet your best friends etc. With our page usually showcasing faceless, educational videos, it was a bit daunting to share such a personal story but the messages I received from students telling me that it had taken a lot of pressure off their backs was so worth it.

Q: What other Irish STEM creators are on your For You feed?A:@studyclix.ie appears a lot and their videos are great! They are created by past students who are very knowledgeable in each topic that they speak on.

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