STEM is an umbrella term for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The program teaches students to solve and prevent modern societal problems with innovative thinking. In other words, classroom knowledge should provide solutions to real-world hurdles. Today, there are many challenges affecting the globe, such as unemployment, food security, cybercrime, climate change, and so on. STEM education is the ultimate solution to such unwelcoming issues, and we can succeed by preparing and raising smart generations.
Did you know that critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital outcomes of STEM education?
Special Features of STEM Education
The curriculum instills skills such as spatial reasoning. Its mission is to allow students to comprehend matters in two and three-dimensional ways. Effectively, this enables solving of problems with little information. STEM boosts the power of making accurate inferences.
Have you ever heard of spatial reasoning? Spatial reasoning and innovation are common buzzwords in STEM-based programs. Ultimately, both play a significant role. Spatial reasoning is the ability to conceptualize and develop solutions to a problem. On the other hand, innovation is a process that involves multiple activities to uncover new ways to do things. It is associated with critical thinking and the ability to challenge standards. STEM encourages innovation – the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
What Courses does STEM Offer?
Although there is no universal agreement on which disciplines to include in STEM, the common courses associated with it are Information Technology, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Programming, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Astronomy, Statistics, Banking, and Accounting. Arts features in the recent successor of STEM, popularly known as STEAM.
How is STEM Different from the Traditional Science and Mathematics?
Unlike old curricula, STEM prepares students to apply scientific methods to everyday life. Inclusively, its packed with computational thinking and the ability to solve real-world problems. The program starts from elementary school and progresses to middle school. Later, the learners advance to high schools where they can tackle STEM subjects in a more challenging and rigorous manner. That stage introduces them to courses and pathways to select in STEM fields. It becomes easier to maneuver in post-secondary education, as well as employment.
Challenges Associated with STEM Education
1. Inadequate Teachers
The number of teachers who can teach STEM students is terribly low. Additionally, most teachers cannot handle engineering, a critical component in STEM education. It is also essential to draw the line between engineering and ordinary Science. The solution is to train more teachers and equip them with engineering skills.
2. Less Exposure to STEM Equipment
Lack of equipment is a major problem affecting this system of education. It is hard to explain to a student how to solve problems without hands-on activities. They need more practical projects through group discussions, communication, teamwork, and peer-to-peer interaction.
Parting Shot
I am amazed by how technology is evolving fast and changing the world. Today, all trending matters involve IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robots, digital currency, and so on. Everyone is going digital; thus, we should prepare for change. Although technology poses a challenge to human labor, we need to introduce it to the coming generation. Yes, we must begin nurturing the young ones as early as possible!
Most importantly, we need to enroll more women in STEM-based programs and erase the gender divide. Let’s encourage our sisters and daughters to embrace STEM education!