ESD integrated STEM education: What are the perceptions of prospective science teacher students

Abstract

STEM education has been widely applied in Indonesia at the Elementary School, Middle School, and even Higher Education levels. Universities, especially Science Education Program, have the task to provide prospective science teacher students with STEM Education. STEM education can be integrated with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research is conducted to see the perception of prospective science teacher students towards STEM Education which is integrated with ESD. This research was conducted using a descriptive method with a survey approach. There were 45 respondents (n = 45) of students at one of the universities in Pekanbaru City. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of close and open statements about the students' perceptions towards ESD integrated STEM education. The answers from the students were analyzed and after that conclusions were drawn. The results showed that students had a very good perception of ESD-integrated STEM Education. However, the students do not know how to apply this STEM Approach in science instruction at schools. Therefore, further efforts are still needed to introduce STEM education to students at the implementation level in science instruction in the classroom, especially when it is integrated with the ESD concept.