Over the last decade, STEM advancement for kindergarten through twelfth grade students has been a hot topic among education advocates and institutional leaders. However, participants in a recent Pew Research poll feel that the United States has only achieved mediocre results in educating K-12 students in STEM competencies. The problem, cite the survey participants, may lie in parent and student interest, but more importantly, in the teaching style of current educators.
What's the Big Deal About STEM?: Defining the Problem
According to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), among learners that are interested in STEM studies, only 16-percent of the pupils are proficient in mathematics. Among high school freshmen, reports the study, only 28-percent of students …show more content…
Compounding this issue, less than half of high school graduates that pursue higher education enroll in STEM related learning tracks.
Why STEM Matters
STEM studies deviate from traditional teaching methods by combining the teachings of different subjects such as math and science. Customarily, educators have taught students math and science separately and presented technology as a small part of a main course offering. However, the STEM teaching methods combines math, science and technology as a core component of learning.
Students that participate in STEM courses benefit in several ways. They achieve stronger problem solving skills compared to students who’ve learned in traditional teaching environments. STEM students also exhibit higher levels of creativity and innovation. They also show improved ability to work in teams, which is an important skill in the modern workplace.
So What's the