DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING A SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING ARTS AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

Globally, the transition from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) is being viewed as a change in education. A discussion on the issues linked to STEM and STEAM education, including the professional development of teachers and a model for a STEAM Programme, called Journeying into Steam focussing on Teacher Professional development and the school-based implementation is presented. A range of partners/organisations who worked with teachers in teacher projects/fieldtrips/teaching were engaged in designing and implementing the programme to primary school teachers. The programme has three phases: teacher fieldwork; school-based and student and community focused Service-Learning. Keywords: primary school teachers, science education, service learning, South Africa