STEM EducationWhy the need for reform?

Elements of STEM Reform

Teachers should integrate Science, Engineering and Math through the use of technology

STEM subjects should be integrated with Fine Arts, Language Arts and Social Studies

Integration is best accomplished through Problem Based Learning

Classrooms should be student centered and learning should be research based

Support for STEM Education Reform

In an increasingly competitive world the United States is falling behind other industrialized nation in the production of STEM workers.

In order to increase the number of students in STEM traditionally underrepresented groups need more access to STEM education.

Research has shown that student centered, inquiry-based classrooms are more successful than the traditional transmissive style of instruction.

An inquiry based student directed classroom promotes problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Social interaction will create more interest in STEM subjects from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Why is STEM Education Needed?

Image courtesy of US Department of Education

Why is STEM Education Needed?

STEM Jobs are expected to continue to increase

Only 16% of High school students are proficient in math and are interested in STEM careers.

There will not be enough qualified graduates to fill these positions.

U.S. Department of Education

Recruitment of Students

“If America hopes to effectively address the “STEM pipeline” problem, we must find ways of developing young learners’ interest in STEM education and must sustain that interest

throughout their remaining school years. Therein lies the real potential and promise of integrative STEM Education”

(Sanders Pg. 22). Increase interest in STEM by using

collaborative approachGroup work allows for incorporation of cultural

backgroundsSocial interaction promotes increased

engagement

Constructivism is a More Effective Way to Learn

Learning is a constructive, not a receptive, process

Motivation and beliefs are integral to cognition

Social interaction is fundamental to cognitive development; knowledge, strategies, and expertise are contextual (Bruning 2004)

Works Cited

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Education for Global Leadership. ED.gov. Web. 20 June 2013.< http://www.ed.gov/stem>

Bruning, R. H., Schraw, J. G., Norby, M. M., & Ronning, R. R. (2004). Cognitive psychology and instruction.Columbus, OH: Pearson.

Sanders Mark. STEM, STEM Education, STEM Mania. The Technology Teacher, December/January 2009. Web. 19 June 2013. <http://esdstem.pbworks.com/f/TTT+STEM+Article_1.pdf>