School Leader`s Perceptions about STEAM Education to develop STEAM Schools in Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the School leaders’ perception about STEAM education to develop STEAM schools in Karachi. This study unveils the background information, aims, scope, objectives and researcher`s interest in selecting the topic for research. This study was conducted with three school leaders working in private STEAM schools in Karachi. Qualitative research design was used to conduct the study about the perception of School leaders who have implemented STEAM Education in schools. Data was collected from three STEAM schools in Karachi. Semi- structured interviews were used to collect the data which were design to explore the perceptions of School leaders about STEAM education. This study aimed to have better understanding about leaders’ own experiences, their preferred teaching style, their vision of STEAM instruction, and their practices feedback at school level. Data was coded and categorized into themes by thematic analysis technique to analyze the data. This study identified that knowledge about STEAM education, Perceived importance of STEAM Education, Integration of STEAM education, Practices of STEAM education and future perspectives of STEAM education are the main factors to develop STEAM schools in Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed that school leader should have background knowledge about STEAM education. School leaders should devise some activities at initial level and align traditional subjects with STEAM subjects in order to integrate STEAM in school. Professional development training for teachers is needed to practice STEAM in classes. School leader emphasized on importance of STEAM education that STEAM prepares students for the world beyond and develop 21st century skills. School leaders believed that students studied in STEAM schools successfully pursue their careers in the field of science and Technology. This study also has some limitations and discusses some recommendation for the implementation of STEAM education in Schools.