What is STEM?
STEM refers to the subjects of Science, Technology (as in Digital Technologies), Engineering (known as Design and Technologies) and Mathematics being taught in an integrated manner. This way of learning about these important subjects reflects “the real world” more closely than teaching content and skills for different subjects in isolation.
In a STEM project or unit, students are usually trying to solve a problem that is connected to a real-world issue. They see themselves as young scientists or future engineers as they work together to discover and create solutions.
During STEM, students still need to be taught specific content and skills for specific subjects; however, instead of learning content by rote, they develop a deeper understanding of concepts through investigations and problem solving. The style of learning activities may change from more teacher directed to student centred as the investigation progresses and students moving from simply understanding content to applying this knowledge in context.
In a STEM project or unit, students are usually trying to solve a problem that is connected to a real-world issue. They see themselves as young scientists or future engineers as they work together to discover and create solutions.
During STEM, students still need to be taught specific content and skills for specific subjects; however, instead of learning content by rote, they develop a deeper understanding of concepts through investigations and problem solving. The style of learning activities may change from more teacher directed to student centred as the investigation progresses and students moving from simply understanding content to applying this knowledge in context.
Characteristics of STEM Education
- Focussed on real-world issues or problems
- Includes more than one STEM discipline area in an integrated context
- Guided by the engineering process (i.e. design thinking)
- Led by an inquiry question with open-ended exploration
- Project-based with sufficient time for students to engage with learning
- Underpinned by constructivist principles where students are documenting their learning through ePortfolios or other means
- Involves rigorous Mathematics and Science, linked to the Australian Curriculum
- Opportunities for developing Literacy and Numeracy skills through explicit instruction are embedded in the learning experience
- Requires students to be creative, collaborative, communicative and critical thinkers
- Encourages students to reframe failure as a necessary part of learning (growth mindset)
- Learning should be shared with an authentic audience