Introduction of the integrative STEAM approach as a learning innovation in the COVID-19 pandemic in South Kalimantan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all communities to have technological knowledge, particularly in the education sector. This study aimed to introduce the integrative STEAM approach as a learning innovation in the COVID-19 pandemic for schools in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The implementation of the 2013 thematic integrative curriculum in elementary schools is a unique challenge for parents in guiding their children. One of the suitable approaches following this demand is integrative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). This approach is able to perform creative and innovative learning by utilizing integrated technology in accordance with the 2013 Curriculum in elementary schools. The total of 120 correspondents participated in the service activities aimed to introduce this approach, and it consisted of Elementary School teachers and its students’ aide in the South Kalimantan. This introductory activity began with the presentation of the approach, followed by a discussion session as well as questions and answers, which ends with an evaluation of its implementation by filling a questionnaire. The results showed that 93.75% of the participants were interested in the presented topics since they aroused their curiosity. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is an increase in insight and knowledge about the integrative STEAM approach to the participants.