Students of Teacher Training Programs and Their Views on STEM: A Focus Interview

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a pilot study conducted with a group of students pursuing teacher training programs as part of the international research project called “Kitchen Lab for Kids” delivered under the “Erasmus+; Key Action 2” scheme. The aim of the research was to find out about students’ opinions on STEM education, including the determination of the level of their knowledge about this trend. In this context, particular attention was paid to issues related to the goals of STEM education, problems and challenges that they may generate, as well as the needs (organizational conditions) necessary to implement this type of activity. The respondents also had the opportunity to present their own experiences in organizing and conducting STEM classes. The research was carried out with the use of the qualitative methods, where the basic research method was focus interview. The research group consisted of 8 students of teaching faculties, mainly pre-school and early school education. The selection of research units was purposeful. The conducted qualitative analysis of the material collected during the focus interview showed that STEM education is still a novelty among students of teaching faculties. Future teachers have little experience in the implementation of activities taking into account the STEM model, but it should be expected that the coming years will result in a number of changes and activities in this area.