Module Development for STEM Education Achievement: A Case Study at the Secondary School Level

Abstract

STEM Education through the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025 (PPPM 2013–2025) is an important agenda in the transformation of education to prepare the younger generation for the challenges of the 21st century. Over the years, STEM was carried out, but there are still some issues which contribute towards the failure in achieving a policy percentage set of 60% science and 40% literary studies in secondary schools. The target to increase the number of Science students was not achieved. Therefore, this study was conducted to produce a STEM@IDEAS module as an alternative to increase students’ interest and understanding in solving the synopsis of learning in science, technology and mathematics (STEM). The module STEM@IDEAS focuses in competition design and generating prototype products through a variety of synopsis statements. STEM practices provide students with various trainings such as application of knowledge, skills and assessment to solve synopsis. This study has five (5) STEM practice steps and a total of three (3) modules which will be applied using the STEM elements. Furthermore, the STEM@IDEAS module was tested on several groups of four secondary school students around Pasir Gudang, Johor. A questionnaire was used to evaluate if STEM@IDEAS modules are in line with STEM and its impact on students. This survey uses a Likert scale of 0 to 4 to evaluate starting from 0 (strongly disagree) up to 4 (strongly agree) for each question submitted in each section. The STEM@IDEAS module and the above study are expected to be a source of interest and an alternative way for schools to support the nation’s education policy in strengthening the education development plans towards the nation’s progress.