Approaches for Implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering &amp; Mathematics) Activities among Middle School Students in Thailand

Nidawan Changtong,Pratchayapong Yasr,Nantakarn Maneejak

doi:10.12973/ijem.6.1.185

Abstract

<p>STEM education is a pedagogical philosophy which aims to draw the interrelationship between science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve complex problems in real life situations. In order to use STEM education to foster students’ learning, the researchers designed STEM activities for middle school students related to the concept of force and motion in three different approaches: a linear model, a jigsaw learning and a stand-alone engineering design activity. To compare the effectiveness of the three approaches, the researchers analysed students’ reasoning and problem-solving scores gained before and after doing the activities. The result showed students participating in the linear model and in the jigsaw learning significantly outperformed those in the stand-alone engineering design activity. In addition, when comparing conceptual development between those attending the linear model and jigsaw learning, the result showed that the former significantly outperformed the latter. It is therefore suggested that to maximise the effectiveness of STEM activities in promoting conceptual understanding as well as reasoning and problem-solving skills, teachers should adopt the linear model. However, when instructional time is limited, the jigsaw learning can be considered as an alternative approach. The stand-alone engineering design activity although can promote students’ enthusiasm to learn, it may not sufficiently lead to the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills as expected.</p>

Highlights

During the 1980s, Thailand used to be one of the leading countries in Asia in terms of economy, known as The Five Tigers (Muscat, 1994)
The result showed students participating in the linear model and in the jigsaw learning significantly outperformed those in the stand-alone engineering design activity
The second approach is called a linear model in which a series of scientific investigations are carried out in a sequential manner to build on scientific understanding from fundamental to advanced ones before reaching the engineering design activities

Summary

Introduction

During the 1980s, Thailand used to be one of the leading countries in Asia in terms of economy, known as The Five Tigers (Muscat, 1994). Recent national policies of Thailand have emphasised more on promoting creative and innovative economy through the campaign of Thailand 4.0 (Puncreobutr, 2016). It aims to cultivate the entrepreneurial mind-set to the people to make them aware of the importance of science, technology and innovation which are believed to be vital causes for economic development (Vares et al, 2011). To move towards an innovation-driven economy, it is important to reform educational policies of the country so that future generations of Thai citizens can become more capable of developing new technologies. Educational trainings have been delivered across the country by both public and private organisations to assist school teachers to be ready to run STEM activities in classrooms

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion