Integrated STEM Education Research Articles

Promoting integrated STEM education among students via fabrication of interactive exhibit

Few studies in the education literature have focused on integrated STEM in a comprehensive manner and, even among these, there does not seem to be a significant emphasis on all the four disciplines. In addition, there are hardly any studies that focus on transitioning across prototype variants to demonstrate students’ understanding of what they must grapple with, including STEM concepts while coming up with a product. This qualitative study explored how a group of high school students harnessed the constituent disciplines of STEM to fabricate an interactive exhibit on laminar flow in an iterative manner. It was found that in the process of prototyping a working model of the exhibit, the students were able to demonstrate a working understanding of 37 relevant concepts in the four STEM disciplines, with science (14) and engineering (10) predominating, followed by technology (8) and mathematics (5). The students were able to incorporate four levels of interactivity in the exhibit, and this allowed visitors to explore the factors affecting laminar flow in the exhibit during a public exhibition in the school. Examination of the STEM dispositions of the students indicated a positive influence as a result of the activity. To the best of our knowledge, this study has incorporated the highest number of STEM concepts. We argue for the need for more studies that integrate all the four constituent disciplines of STEM in promoting integrated STEM education.

Educational Robotics and Preservice Teachers: STEM Problem-Solving Skills and Self-Efficacy to Teach

Integrating STEM education within the elementary school science curriculum in Ontario, Canada, elevated the expectation for elementary preservice teachers to teach STEM skills such as problem-solving through coding. Research shows that educational robotics can promote STEM knowledge and skills. This mixed methods study investigates the effect of an educational robotics intervention on preservice teachers’ STEM problem-solving skills and their self-efficacy to teach with educational robotics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data sources included a pre- and post­questionnaire on problem-solving, a pre- and post- self-efficacy teaching questionnaire, a problem-solving worksheet, and transcripts of group interactions. Quantitative findings were statistically significant for preservice teachers’ self-efficacy to teach with educational robotics (large effect size) and for problem-solving competencies (small effect size). Using a STEM problem-solving framework, two preservice teacher group interactions were analysed. Qualitative findings indicated that preservice teachers exhibited similar problem-solving processes as STEM experts, but preservice teachers’ prior STEM knowledge limited the types of decisions considered at the problem-solving stages. The study provides an example of how preservice teachers’ self-efficacy to teach with educational robotics was developed within a science education course and lends unique insights into the problem-solving processes these preservice teacher groups engaged in.

Implementation of a STEM and Wasaka Character-Integrated Module to Internalize Wasaka Character

STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) plays a crucial role in elementary schools because it provides a strong foundation for students' skill development and understanding in science and technology. STEM education can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity from an early age This research aims to implement a STEM-integrated module infused with Wasaka character values to internalize the Wasaka character in students. The Wasaka character, comprising religiousness, resilience, responsibility, and independence, is vital for fostering holistic development. The study utilizes a one-group pre-test-post-test design with pre-test and post-test evaluations to measure the effectiveness of the module in enhancing character development. Data were collected through observations and questionnaires. The results indicate a significant improvement in the internalization of Wasaka character traits following the implementation of the module. The findings suggest that integrating STEM education with local cultural values can effectively contribute to character building. This study highlights the importance of culturally relevant education in shaping students' character.

Developing the Learning Achievement of Motion and Force and Analytical Thinking of Grade 8 Students Using Integrated STEM Education and Inquiry-Based Learning

This Study aim to investigate the effects of integrated inquiry-based and STEM education learning management on Thai grade 8 students’ analytical thinking and learning achievement. The research employed a one-group experimental design with 37 grade 8 students from a public school in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study included an inquiry-based STEM education integrated learning management plan, a learning achievement test on motion and force, and an analytical thinking test. Data were collected through pretests and posttests on learning achievement and analytical thinking, and ongoing assessments during the learning activities. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean score, standard deviation, effectiveness index (E1/E2), and a paired samples t-test. The results indicated that the overall effectiveness of the learning management, calculated as the E1/E2 ratio, was 77.20/77.57, meeting the predetermined criteria of 75/75. Furthermore, significant increases in analytical thinking and learning achievement were observed at the statistical level of 0.5. These findings support the effectiveness of integrating inquiry-based learning with STEM education in enhancing students’ analytical thinking and learning achievement, contributing valuable insights to educational practices in science education.

Bridging the gap in early career teachers' STEM pedagogy: Exploring micro‐credentials as a possible creative solution

AbstractThis exploratory study sought to address the gap in strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher preparation in elementary and secondary teacher education programs. Integrated STEM education is attracting increased attention and gaining momentum from educators, politicians, STEM industries, and the media across the nation. Many state and national organizations have called for a new workforce of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self‐reliant and able to think logically, also suggesting that creating such capacity is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity in the nation. A key to developing these skills is STEM competencies and career goals in every K‐12 student. To do this, teachers must be educated on how to connect STEM careers and integrate STEM content into their curriculum. Providing integrated STEM micro‐credentials for preservice and in‐service teachers can be a flexible solution for providing teachers a method to learn how to improve their content knowledge and pedagogy (Digital Promise, 2019). Participants were a combination of undergraduate preservice teachers and graduate early‐career teachers who were asked about their STEM preparation. The majority of the participants received very little to no integrated STEM preparation. As a possible solution for this, participants were asked about their preferred type of professional development (PD) and if participating in a micro‐credential course would be a possibility. Nearly all of the participants agreed that a self‐paced micro‐credential that blended online and in‐person instruction would be something they would do to learn how to integrate STEM more effectively into their pedagogy. Micro‐credentials could be a successful solution for educator PD.

Mengembangkan Kemampuan Berpikir Spasial Melalui Pendidikan STEM di Sekolah Dasar

This study explores the effectiveness of STEM education in developing spatial thinking skills in elementary school students. The study employs a quasi-experimental design involving two groups: an experimental group that received STEM intervention and a control group following the standard curriculum. The results indicate that the experimental group experienced significant improvements in visualization, spatial relationship understanding, and spatial object manipulation compared to the control group. These improvements are primarily to technology, such as 3D simulations and design software, which help students comprehend complex spatial concepts. Further statistical analysis supports these findings, showing significant differences between the experimental and control groups. These findings underscore the importance of integrating STEM education into the curriculum to enhance students' spatial skills, which are critical in various science and technology disciplines. However, challenges in implementation, such as a need for more resources and teacher training, must be addressed to ensure the program's effectiveness across different educational contexts.

A Systematic Literature Review of Integrated STEM Education: Uncovering Consensus and Diversity in Principles and Characteristics

A Systematic Literature Review of Integrated STEM Education: Uncovering Consensus and Diversity in Principles and Characteristics

Unpacking the nuances: an exploratory multilevel analysis on the operationalization of integrated STEM education and student attitudinal change

Integrated STEM education (iSTEM) is recognized for its potential to improve students’ scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as to nurture positive attitudes toward STEM, which are essential for motivating students to consider STEM-related careers. While prior studies have examined the relationship between specific iSTEM activities or curricula and changes in student attitudes, research is lacking on how the aspects of iSTEM are operationalized and their influence on shifts in student attitudes towards STEM, especially when considering the role of demographic factors. Addressing this gap, our study applied multilevel modeling to analyze how different iSTEM aspects and demographic variables predict changes in student attitudes. Drawing on data from two five-year NSF-funded projects, we evaluated pre- and post-attitude survey responses from 948 students. Our analysis identified two key iSTEM aspects—relating content to students’ lives and engagement in engineering design—that significantly influence positive attitude change. The results highlight the importance of curriculum relevance and hands-on, problem-solving activities in shaping student attitudes. However, the impact of these instructional strategies varies across demographic groups. The study’s insights into the differential impact of iSTEM aspects on diverse student groups provide actionable guidance for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers aiming to enhance STEM learning experiences and outcomes.

Investigating how subject teachers transition to integrated STEM education: A hybrid qualitative study on primary and middle school teachers

Encouraging subject teachers to transition to integrated STEM education is an important measure to address the shortage of STEM teachers. However, there is limited research available on the process and characteristics of STEM teacher identity transformation. The study used a hybrid method of Grounded Theory and Epistemic Network Analysis to analyze interview texts of 10 STEM teachers from Zhejiang Province, China. Research has shown that subject teachers go through three stages when transitioning to integrated STEM education: imitation, exploration, and innovation. Throughout each stage, the teacher’s identity changes as they gain a better understanding of integrated STEM education, curriculum and project design, practical methods, and teaching reflection. The study has identified three paths for the transformation of STEM teacher identity, which are influenced by factors such as gender, professional background, school type, and location. Additionally, the study proposes strategies that could encourage subject teachers to transition toward STEM education.

Connecting Compassion: Empathy's Role in STEM and Literacy Integration

AbstractEmpathy, an unsung, yet critical element of learning, can be strategically interlaced with literacy instruction and engineering design to create a rich and authentic learning experience for students. Integrated STEM education rests on the promise of engaging students and providing deep understandings through the intentional practice of delivering science and math content through the application of technology and engineering skills. Using children's literature to activate empathy and design thinking can help students become better problem‐solvers, critical thinkers, and caring members of society. Empathy facilitates a deeper connection to the human experience, ensuring that solutions not only meet the design requirements, but also address the emotions and concerns of the end user. Building upon story grammar, students can understand the needs of characters in narratives and create empathetic solutions to the challenges that characters in a book may face, ultimately helping students develop confidence and embrace their future possibilities.

STEM Education Research, Policy and Practice in the Caribbean: Imperatives for the Next Five Years

The last 10 years have seen repeated calls of increasing urgency regarding the importance of STEM and STEM education in the Caribbean regional economy (iNews Guyana, 2018; Mitchell, 2018; Warde & Sah, 2014). In 2019, the Journal of Education and Development in the Caribbean published a special issue entitled “STEM Education in the Caribbean: Challenges, Goals, and Possibilities”. In the Editorial to that special issue, we articulated four primary considerations regarding future regional efforts toward integrated STEM education policy and practice (Sweeney & George, 2019, pp. vii-x). The commentary below (i) offers our reflections on the quality and extent of progress toward this goal approximately 5 years after publication of that Editorial (2019–2024); (ii) highlights what we believe to be the key roles and responsibilities of STEM education scholars in the region; and (iii) provides recommendations for integrated STEM education research, policy, and practice in the Caribbean over the course of the next 5 years.

Sustainable and Impactful Education: Community Development within The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR ) In South Africa: STEAM Evaluation

South Africa, amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s challenges, explores sustainable education intersecting with community development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study scrutinized educational dynamics. A case study method selected three secondary schools, involving 105 learners were purposively selected for this study. The study was underpinned by the human capital theory. This theoretical framework highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequities and promoting social justice. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Qualitative data captured community perspectives, advocating for technology integration in education. Overcoming barriers like infrastructure and digital literacy was seen as crucial. The study findings highlighted integrating STEM education into South Africa’s curriculum, focusing on interdisciplinary strategies to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. STEAM courses were seen as a way which prepare students for the 4IR, fostering adaptability and future employment readiness. Lack of electricity, computers, and availability of computer training was revealed as one of the lacking factors among teachers in schools. Themes were drawn and discussed in relation to the research question. The study suggests assessing long-term impacts on community indicators like economic empowerment and health. The study concluded that police makers and curriculum designers may need to re-evaluate educational systems for STEAM. The study therefore recommended that it may be of great help if rigorous outcome evaluation measures of educational intervention would be effective in schools. Also, analyzing policy frameworks was recommended as essential for national development agendas, and bridging policy gaps Keywords: STEAM, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Development, Sustainable, Education

ENHANCING 21ST CENTURY SKILLS THROUGH INTEGRATED STEM EDUCATION USING PROJECT-ORIENTED PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

In the pursuit of comprehensive education, the symbiotic relationship between 21st-century skills and STEM is crucial. These two domains work hand in hand to equip students with the knowledge and abilities required to thrive as productive and technically literate citizens in the future. This study assessed the impact of an integrated STEM education program on students' 21st-century skills using Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning (PoPBL) as the core pedagogical approach. A onegroup quasi-experimental design and survey methodology were employed to evaluate students' skills before and after participating in the program. The findings showed a significant increase in students' overall 21st-century skills, with high productivity skills notably improving from moderate to high proficiency. These results provide compelling evidence that PoPBL in STEM education effectively enhances students' skills by immersing them in authentic, real-life problem-solving experiences through project work. The study emphasizes the value of integrating PoPBL into STEM education to enhance critical skills such as problemsolving, creative thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. By engaging in practical, project-based activities, students not only apply their knowledge but also develop competencies to address complex challenges in their future endeavors.

Integrated STEM Teaching: Innovative STEM Training for Preschool and Primary School Teachers

The effective implementation of STEM education relies on qualified and well-educated teachers who employ good practices for integrated STEM education. Quality STEM education equips children with the necessary skills to address 21st-century challenges, playing a critical role in developing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility. In this context, preschool and primary school teachers were recommended to attend STEM Professional Development (PD). This study aimed to determine the impact of the EarlySTEM Leader Teacher PD Program on teachers' ability to design STEM lesson plans, using mixed method. Researchers analyzed the STEM lesson plans prepared by preschool and primary school teachers (n=33) who participated in the integrated STEM PD program. All participants who met the graduation criteria were included in the study. The plans were evaluated using the Authentic Problems of Knowledge Society (APoKS) rubric. The findings showed that the Integrated STEM PD program positively influenced teachers' lesson planning skills, specifically when writing the APoKS. The implications of the study were discussed in detail.

Teacher Self-Efficacy and Preparedness for Integrating STEM Education Using a Project-Based Learning Approac

Teacher Self-Efficacy and Preparedness for Integrating STEM Education Using a Project-Based Learning Approac

“No, This Is Not My Boyfriend’s Computer”: Elevating the Voices of Youth in STEM Education Research Leveraging Photo-Elicitation

AbstractWe aim to elevate the stories and voices of youth in integrated STEM education, particularly those who have been historically marginalized and excluded from STEM spaces. Our research uses photo-elicitation to decenter the power of researchers and educators and elevate the experiences and expertise of youth in STEM. Findings are presented from three instrumental case studies, examining the perspectives of youth on what it means to do STEM, who belongs in STEM, and why STEM is important. The findings reveal that youth often perceive STEM as a siloed approach but also emphasize the need for greater integration of mathematics in STEM. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of STEM identity development, showing that belonging in STEM is not just about future careers but also about fostering a sense of belonging in the present. Additionally, the study uncovers that youth invoke empathy and social consciousness when explaining the importance of integrated STEM, emphasizing the need to address racial, gender, and professional biases in STEM educational spaces. This prompts a reconsideration of the motivations behind integrated STEM education, emphasizing the value of developing STEM literacy for the well-being of all youth, not just as future workforce preparation.

APPLICATION OF STEM-TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN HEALTH

The article examines the current aspects of the use of STEM technologies in the professional training of specialists in the field of human health. Focusing on scientific and technical disciplines such as materials science, engineering, computer science and mathematics, the article highlights the benefits and challenges of applying STEM approaches in the educational process. The impact of the specified technologies on the development of key competencies and increasing the efficiency of professional training of future specialists in the field of health care was studied. The article also considers the possibilities of integrating STEM education into training programs, thereby contributing to the creation of better conditions for the successful implementation of these technologies in the field of training specialists in education and human health.
 The purpose of the article is to analyze scientific approaches to defining and studying the features of STEM education; the study of existing educational practices related to the development and implementation of STEM subjects and the determination of ways of their respective implementation in the educational process for the purpose of health protection.
 Methodology. The methodological basis of the research is a systematic and person-oriented approach to the analysis of psychological-pedagogical literature and pedagogical experience on issues of social-pedagogical activity. The work uses a multi- level systematic analysis of scientific sources, which is based on philosophical, general scientific and partly scientific and specific scientific levels of knowledge.
 Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this article lies in the in-depth study and analysis of the impact of STEM technologies on the professional training of specialists in the field of human health. The work highlights the latest approaches to the use of scientific and technical knowledge and skills for health maintenance, revealing in detail their role in the development and improvement of the quality of education in this field. In addition, the article offers innovative strategies and methods of introducing STEM approaches into educational programs to optimize the process of professional training, which contributes to the continuous improvement of educational practices in the field of human health.
 Conclusions. Studies of the use of STEM technologies in the professional training of health professionals indicate the significant potential of these innovations in the field of improving the quality of education and improving the practical skills of future medical workers. The use of STEM approaches allows not only to effectively combine scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also stimulates critical thinking, creative approach and the ability to solve complex problems in the medical field. The results of the analysis indicate the need to integrate STEM education into pedagogical programs to provide students with a wider range of competencies, taking into account the development of technologies in the modern world. At the same time, it is important to take into account the specifics of human health education and provide adapted STEM strategies to ensure their optimal effectiveness in the context of human health. In general, the use of STEM technologies in the training of specialists in the field of human health is a promising direction that can contribute to raising the quality of health education and training qualified personnel for the challenges of the modern public health system.

Examine the Impact of Contextual, Personal, and Behavioral Factors on High School Teachers’ Engagement in Teaching Science Using an Integrated STEM Approach

Teachers’ self-efficacy, attitude, and engagement are influenced by various factors, encompassing personal, school contextual, and behavioral aspects. Nevertheless, prior studies have not thoroughly explored the intricate relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy, attitudes, and engagement, particularly in the context of teaching science through an integrated STEM approach (ISTEMA). Drawing upon the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study proposes a structural equation model that incorporates school contextual factors: school administrative support and peer or collegial support, along with the personal factor—teachers’ STEM discipline knowledge to predict teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching science through ISTEMA. It also considers school administrative support and teachers’ self-efficacy to teach science through an ISTEMA as predictors for teachers’ attitudes and engagement in the implementation of ISTEMA. Additionally, school administrative support, teachers’ self-efficacy to teach science through ISTEMA, and teachers’ attitude to teach science through ISTEMA are regarded as behavioral factors that predict engagement in the implementation of ISTEMA. The survey was administered to 452 high school teachers hailing from four distinct regions and Phnom Penh City, Cambodia. The results of the full structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that changes in teachers’ STEM discipline knowledge and peer or collegial support may correspondingly lead to changes in teachers’ self-efficacy to teach science through an ISTEMA (SE), with an indirect effect of school administrative support (AD) on SE via teachers’ STEM discipline knowledge. The enhancement of SE and teachers’ attitude to teach science through an ISTEMA (ATT) significantly influences teachers’ engagement to teach science through an ISTEMA (EGG), whereas AD has a direct impact on engagement and an indirect one via teachers’ self-efficacy and attitude. Furthermore, SE directly and indirectly affects engagement through teachers’ attitude. These findings hold profound significance in shaping policies related to teacher training in integrated STEM education and theoretical foundation for future studies.

Balancing disciplinary and integrated learning: How exemplary STEM teachers negotiate tensions of practice

AbstractIntegrated STEM education within North America has become a popular pedagogy; however, teachers identify challenges that arise when planning for and implementing integrated STEM education. These challenges may threaten STEM teachers' capacity to balance disciplinary and integrated learning, a core feature of effective STEM education. The purpose of this study was to investigate how exemplary STEM teachers navigate tensions of practice to balance disciplinary and integrated learning. Through an in‐depth qualitative methodology, drawing on interview and artifact data from 14 purposefully selected exemplary secondary and elementary integrated STEM teachers, this study identified tensions that teachers faced as they navigated planning for and implementing integrated STEM education: (a) curriculum content versus skills; (b) guided instruction versus inquiry and play; (c) process versus task completion; and (d) collaboration versus individual needs. In line with a Worldly Perspective (Rennie et al., 2020), balancing these tensions leads to enhanced integration.

Teacher Professional Development in Integrated STEAM Education: A Study on Its Contribution to the Development of the PCK of Physics Teachers

Integrated STEM education (iSTEM) has attracted attention due to its potentialities regarding students’ learning and intentions to pursue STEM-related careers. However, although increasingly popular, iSTEM remains challenging and elusive, particularly from teachers’ perspective. This scenario became even more complex with the inclusion of “A”, from the Arts. Considering that the quality of teachers is decisive in the success of integrated STEAM education (iSTEAM), it is essential to provide teachers with opportunities to develop their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) for iSTEAM. In this work, the aim was to understand the effect of teacher professional development (TPD) within iSTEAM on the development of Physics teachers’ PCK related to the topic of “Electrical circuits with associations in series and parallel”. This study followed a pre-test/post-test design with a single group, which facilitates the subsequent comparison of participants’ reported PCK before and after their involvement in the TPD. The results showed that the TPD had a favorable impact on teachers’ PCK. The results of this study also contribute to defining a specific PCK for STEAM (STEAM-PCK).