Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Learning Research Articles

Enhancing university students' learning performance in a metaverse‐enabled immersive learning environment for STEM education: A community of inquiry approach

AbstractThe research paper explores the use of a metaverse‐enabled immersive learning environment (MeILE) guided by the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework to enhance university student interactions and collaboration. The platform integrates various components, including avatar usage, multimodality, and gamification, with careful consideration of each CoI element to maximize students' immersive interactions and collaboration in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning contexts. By aligning activities with Bloom's digital taxonomy, the metaverse environment aims to improve STEM learning outcomes. A case study conducted at a university demonstrated the successful implementation of essential CoI elements, leading to increased student engagement and improved learning performance. Results indicate MeILE facilitates interactive, reflective, constructive, and self‐regulated learning, which are essential for developing STEM and 21st century skills. The study emphasizes the teacher's role as a facilitator in fostering self‐directed learning, and cultivating 21st‐century skills through collaborative learning activities in virtual environment. The research underscores the importance of innovative educational tools in adapting to the evolving landscape of education in the digital age.

Integration of Islamic Values in STEM Learning in Secondary Schools

This research aims to explore the integration of Islamic values into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning in secondary schools. In the era of globalization, STEM education is becoming increasingly important to prepare students for future challenges. However, education that only focuses on technical aspects without paying attention to spiritual and moral values can result in disorientation in students' lives. Therefore, this study proposes an approach that combines scientific aspects with Islamic values to create holistic learning. The research method used is qualitative with a literature study approach. Data was collected through observation and analysis of curriculum documents. The results of the study show that the integration of Islamic values in STEM learning can improve students' understanding of the relationship between science and religious teachings, as well as motivate them to apply the knowledge learned in daily life in accordance with Islamic principles. Consistent implementation and support from all schools are needed to ensure the sustainability of this program.

Integration of Project-Based STEM Learning in the Meliuk Menerjang Material within the Emancipated Curriculum

This study aims to develop a project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning tool for the "Meliuk Menerjang" material in the Emancipated Curriculum for grade IV students in Indonesian elementary schools. The objective is to create a tool that is feasible, practical, and effective in improving student learning outcomes. The research employs a Research and Development (R&D) approach, specifically following the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model. Data was collected through validation from material and design experts, questionnaires, and student performance assessments. The study included 25 students and 20 teachers from various elementary schools in Malang City to identify the needs and effectiveness of the project-based STEM learning model. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for effectiveness analysis and qualitative analysis for feedback and validation results. Findings: The project-based STEM learning model demonstrated high feasibility with significant improvements in students' understanding and skills. Validation results showed that the content was relevant and supportive of STEM skill development. Both teachers and students positively accepted the learning model, indicating increased confidence and motivation. Conclusion: Integrating project-based STEM learning in the Emancipated Curriculum positively impacts student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork among elementary students, preparing them for future technological challenges.

Analysis of Spatial Skills Impact of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (STEM) Approach in Cartography Learning

The independent campus curriculum is an effort to increase competition in the 21st century, which requires competent human resources in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). STEM learning responds to the need to increase students' interest and skills in these areas. This study aims to determine the effect of using the STEM approach on spatial thinking skills in cartography learning. This research uses a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest Design, conducted in a single experimental class without a control class. Subjects were selected by random sampling through drawing lots, focusing on 5th-semester B students. Data were analysed using a t-test with paired samples T-Test. The results showed a sig value. (2-tailed) of 0.000, which is smaller than the significance value of 0.05. Therefore, H0 is rejected, and Hₐ is accepted. To conclude, there is an increase in the average pretest and posttest after learning using the STEM approach, indicating that the STEM approach positively affects spatial thinking skills. Each stage of the STEM approach affects the students' spatial abilities. The science stages develop spatial abilities in the form of spatial interaction. The technology stages enhance the ability to apply applications and scale on maps. The engineering stage fosters analytical, representative and comprehensive skills. The math stage improves the ability to calculate scale and its application in everyday life.Keywords: spatial skills, STEM, cartography

Augmented reality's impact on STEM learning

Introduction: Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology with potential to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This study investigates the impact of implementing AR in STEM learning. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of AR in enhancing students' motivation, understanding, academic performance, and problem-solving abilities in STEM disciplines. Methods: A mixed methods approach with a quasi-experimental design was employed. The study involved 180 university students and 12 STEM instructors from various programs. Data collection methods included standardized tests, questionnaires, interviews, observations, and artifact analysis. Results: The AR group showed significant improvements in academic performance, motivation, and attitudes toward STEM subjects compared to the control group. Qualitative data supported AR's potential to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences. Students reported better understanding of complex concepts and increased interest in STEM fields. Conclusions: Integrating AR in STEM education can enhance academic performance, motivation, attitudes, and comprehension of complex concepts. These findings support the importance of exploring and implementing AR technology in STEM educational settings to improve learning outcomes and foster student engagement.

Improving science process skills using the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning model on environmental preservation business material for fifth grade elementary school students

Society must be able to adapt in various ways due to the rapid progress of science and technology in the era of globalization. One of the components is education, which is fundamental for the progress of a country. Science process skills are skills for developing the perspective needed to build natural science. This research was conducted to see whether science process skills improved after applying the STEM learning model to environmental conservation business materials, in class V students at SDN 1 Ciledug located in the city of West Bandung. This research was carried out by designing a pretest-posttest group and using a science process skills test, based on the indicators that had been designed. Data analysis to determine differences in perceptions regarding improving students' science process skills, before and after implementing the STEM learning model. The results of data analysis show that science process abilities have increased on the topic of environmental conservation efforts with the application of the STEM learning model. The resulting score with the average value of science process skills increased from application of 40.51 to 85.11. This improvement in skills can be seen from the N-Gain result value of 0.75 which is in the high classification. Thus, the research results that have been presented suggest that teachers can use the STEM learning model as an alternative in science subjects, especially to improve science process skills.

Supporting the Teacher Identity of Pre-Service Science Teachers through Working at a Non-Formal STEM Learning Laboratory

This qualitative case study aims to examine the role of a non-formal STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning laboratory in supporting the development of teacher identity among pre-service science teachers. With teacher identity impacting the educational responsiveness and resilience of a teacher, it is important to support the professional identity of STEM educators if we are to enhance the quality of STEM education. Data collection occurred in three stages between 2017 and 2024. Qualitative content analysis through an inductive category formation was used for data analysis. The intercoder reliability was checked (Cohen’s kappa 0.802). Results suggest that non-formal STEM learning environments can enhance pre-service teachers’ professional learning and identity by allowing the autonomous practical application of theory in an authentic collaborative laboratory environment and by strengthening their self-efficacy through positive teaching experiences. Participants reported that such versatile experiences are generally not available during their formal university education. This study offers suggestions for STEM teacher education and insights into ongoing research dialogues about the role of non-formal learning in supporting the learning and identity of STEM teachers.

Primary teachers’ learning experiences of integrated STEM education

With increasing focus on primary curricular reform in Ireland, there is a growing recognition of the significance of early childhood education. As a result, professional development organisations are now examining the effectiveness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for young children. This study investigates how teachers in a multi-grade primary school initially approached teaching integrated STEM lessons to children aged 4–7 years. Over the course of one school year, three teachers engaged in four cycles of lesson study. Through an action research approach, the researchers collected qualitative data from interviews, lesson plans, collaborative weekly meetings and observation sheets. The study identified difficulties associated with the teachers’ limited comprehension of integrated STEM education and demonstrated how the Engineering Design Process helped to mitigate these challenges. The findings offer valuable insights into the knowledge requirements involved in developing children’s 21st century skills. The research concluded that teachers enhanced children’s STEM learning by providing opportunities for them to explore their curiosity, make predictions and experiment through open-ended play experiences.

STEM Students’ Motivation, Interest, and Career Direstion Amid New Normal Education: A Narrative Inquiry Research

The abrupt transition of learning modalities and the global health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped the learners’ experiences and insights, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the stories of senior high school STEM learners on how the new normal education impacted their motivation, interest, and career direction using a narrative inquiry research design. Purposive sampling was used to select twelve participants from a public senior high school offering the STEM strand. A Semi-structured interview guide, which underwent expert judgment, was used to collect data. After securing consent forms, in-depth interviews were conducted via online platforms. Data collected were transcribed, coded, categorised, and thematised, applying Polkinghorne’s analysis of narratives. Results illustrated that students’ (a) motivation has declined, causing discouragement in STEM activities, however, their passion and goals kept them eager; (b) interest was elevated by their constant commitment to STEM endeavours, yet less enthusiasm has become evident; (c) career direction was still definite as fuelled by relevance, though some have restructured theirs due to the drastic change of circumstances. Furthermore, students devised adaptive strategies to further enrich themselves in STEM undertakings such as improving STEM identity, fostering STEM competence and habits, reorganisation of tasks, and peer collaboration. The findings of this study led to the creation of an action plan to further improve the STEM learning experiences of students amid the radical educational change. This research employed a holistic perspective as it considers the nature, aspect, and meaning of students’ narratives.

STEMing together: a comparison of co-ed and all-female informal learning environments

STEMing together: a comparison of co-ed and all-female informal learning environments

Implementation of audio biostimulators and IOT in STEM learning to enhance the quantity of herbal medicinal plants in Indonesia

This research aims to enhance the contribution of science learning in higher education using a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) approach to assist Indonesia’s farmers' herbal medicinal plant communities. The technology implemented in this project-based learning at the Department of Natural Science Education, Yogyakarta State University is the Audio BioStimulator (ABS) and multi-sensors based on the Internet of Things (IoT). These sound waves function to open leaf stomata during photosynthesis optimizing nutrient absorption. On the other hand, IoT comprises a sensor system that measures physical variables encompassing soil composition, air quality, fertiliser concentration, pH levels, pressure and temperature. This system creates optimal conditions to foster the growth of herbal medicinal plants. The research method employed an embedded experimental design which is mixed-methods research. This method is expected to provide more comprehensive analysis results to improve critical and creative thinking skills by applying contextual STEM learning to intensify herbal medicine farming using ABS and IoT technology. These two technologies are strategic for enhancing students’ competency in science practicums in higher education which can also be studied intensively in the science, engineering and mathematics aspects. The STEM approach empowers students to translate acquired knowledge and skills into direct project activities to address the challenges facing farming communities. Its instructional impact lies in elevating critical and creative thinking skills while its consequential bearing manifests in assisting the community to increase the economic status of the herbal medicinal plant farming sector in Indonesia.

Teachers’ perceptions of the barriers to STEM teaching in Qatar’s secondary schools: a structural equation modeling analysis

IntroductionEducators play a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic achievements, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The instructional techniques employed by teachers significantly impact students’ decisions to pursue or persist in STEM disciplines. This research aims to explore the challenges faced by high school STEM teachers in Qatar in delivering effective STEM instruction.MethodsData was collected through a survey administered to 290 high school STEM teachers across thirty-nine schools in Qatar. The survey targeted teachers in the 11th and 12th grades. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the data and examine teachers’ perceived barriers to effective STEM instruction.ResultsThe findings revealed various barriers hindering STEM instruction. These barriers were categorized into school-related, student-related, technology-related, and teaching-related factors. All the hypothesized teaching barriers [i.e., (student-related: β = –0.243, p < 0.001); (school-related: β = –0.122, p < 0.001), (technologyrelated: β = –0.123, p = 0.040); and (instruction-related: β = –0.112, p < 0.018)] were negatively related to teachers’ STEM teaching. Among the various obstacles, it appears that the most formidable challenges for high school STEM teachers are related to students (β = –0.243, p < 0.001).DiscussionUnderstanding these barriers is crucial for informing educational policies and developing strategies to enhance STEM learning in Qatar’s high schools. Addressing these barriers is essential to provide adequate resources, professional development opportunities, and support systems. By addressing these challenges, Qatar can foster a conducive environment for effective STEM instruction, thereby nurturing a future generation of STEM professionals.

STEM learning design to train student’s system thinking skills on climate change

Climate change in coastal areas is a complex problem that involves value systems and requires various scientific disciplines. Integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) approach is needed in learning so that it can train students to think holistically, structured and systematically. This research was carried out with the aim of producing an appropriate STEM learning design to train students' systems thinking skills on climate change material. The type of research is research and development using the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation (ADDIE) model. The trial subjects in this research were 28 class VIII students of SMP Muhammadiyah 12 GKB Gresik, East Java. The research instruments were validation sheets of lesson plan and student worksheets, observation sheets, and systems thinking skills assessment sheets. The research results show; (1) The Extraordinary Lesson Plan (ELP) and student worksheet of STEM learning design development which are measured through Aiken Validity with a value of 0.89 ≥ 0.6 in the valid category; (2) The STEM learning design developed is in the practical category with an average score of 3.5; and (3) students' systems thinking abilities in climate change material are in the good category. It can be concluded that the STEM learning design developed to train junior high school students' systems thinking skills was feasible to be used in learning.

STEM Learning Model’s Impact on Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills and Motivation: A Literature Review

The rapid pace of societal advancement necessitates a robust educational foundation to ensure individuals can effectively navigate and contribute to contemporary developments with their skill sets. Education plays a pivotal role in human development, influenced by a range of internal and external factors, all of which are crucial considerations for optimizing the human development process. Quality education is characterized by its ability to impart critical thinking skills and foster a motivation to learn among its students. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) represents a pedagogical model that supports the cultivation of these skills and motivations. By integrating multiple disciplines into a cohesive framework, STEM aims to produce graduates who are competent and equipped for the challenges of the modern world. This literature review provides a systematic examination and discussion of the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of STEM, critical thinking skills, and learner motivation. The evidence suggests that STEM is highly effective in enhancing students' critical thinking abilities and their eagerness to engage in learning, thus establishing it as a valuable educational approach.

Understanding STEM Outcomes for Autistic Middle Schoolers in an Interest-Based, Afterschool Program: A Qualitative Study

Current research underscores that there are only a few evidence-based programs that teach STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as part of their curriculum, especially for autistic students. Even fewer programs focus on engineering and design learning. Hence, we developed an informal afterschool maker program to develop autistic and non-autistic students’ interests in engineering to understand their experiences learning STEM concepts and values while applying the engineering mindset to develop projects. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand students’ experiences participating in STEM activities in the maker club. We interviewed twenty-six students (seventeen autistic and nine non-autistic), nine teachers, and thirteen parents representing diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds across three public middle schools in a large urban metropolitan city between 2018 and 2019. Our thematic analysis yielded four themes: (1) active participation in STEM; (2) curiosity about STEM topics, concepts, and practices, (3) capacity-building to engage in STEM learning; and 4) understanding of the importance of STEM education in daily life. The results of this study enabled us to understand that students were deeply engaged with the content and curriculum of our program, expanded their knowledge base about scientific concepts, used engineering-specific scientific terminologies, and engaged with the engineering design process to conceptualize, test, improvise, and problem-solve. Furthermore, this afterschool engineering education program created a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for students to build engineering readiness skills.

The development of RBL - STEM learning materials to improve students' computational thinking skills in solving convolutional neural network problems

In 21st century learning, computational thinking skills have become one of the essential competencies that need to be emphasised in the development of knowledge. To enhance computational thinking skills, research-based learning (RBL) with a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) approach, known as RBL-STEM, can be used. This study aims to explore RBL-STEM activities, describe the process and outcomes of developing RBL-STEM materials, and analyse data. In this research, the RBL-STEM framework is used to improve students' computational thinking skills in applying Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to identify coffee plant diseases using a quadcopter drone and its flight path with resolving dominating set. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D). This research develops RBL-STEM materials and produces learning material products in the form of semester study plans, student assignment designs, student worksheets and learning outcome tests. The results of the development of the materials show validity with a validity criterion of 92%. Implementation using RBL-STEM materials was found to be practical with a practicality criterion of 96.25% and effective with an effectiveness criterion of 94.32%. In addition, students were highly engaged and provided very positive feedback on the learning experience. Pre-test and post-test analysis showed an improvement in students' computational thinking skills when solving CNN problems.

Development of Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Media Integrated with STEM Learning

This research is motivated by the development of science and technology in the 21st century, especially in the fields of Augmented Reality (AR) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning which provides opportunities for students to develop work skills and mathematical abilities which lead to the formation of life competencies in the future that is the competence of Education for Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG). This AR Learning Media was developed with a 4D development design: Define, Design, Development, and Dissemination. The subjects of this research were 7th-grade science students and teachers at SMPN 1 Dewantara. Media and content validation was carried out by 2 material experts and a media expert. Instruments used Media validation sheets, materials, and student and teacher response questionnaires. Analysis was done using percentage techniques on validation sheets, teacher response questionnaires, and student responses. The results of this research are AR media prototypes that are very feasible according to material experts and appropriate according to media experts with excellent student responses and the teacher's response was very practical

Internalization of Magelang' Local Wisdom in STEM Learning: Analysis of Pottery Making as a Science Learning Resource

The context in science learning needs to be linked contextually and be interdisciplinary so that learning becomes more meaningful. This research aims to analyze the local wisdom of the people of Magelang Regency in making pottery as a science learning resource containing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) on temperature and heat. The subjects of this study were pottery artisans in Kragilan, Donorojo, Mertoyudan, Magelang, Central Java. The research design used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in literature and field studies (interviews and documentation). The data in the research is qualitative, namely the results of interviews and identification of local wisdom in making pottery in Magelang Regency, which can be used as a science learning resource with STEM content. In addition, qualitative data analyses local wisdom in making pottery in science learning resources with STEM content on science material. This research shows that local wisdom in making Magelang pottery, especially roof tiles and braziers, is appropriate to the science learning context. The process of making pottery can be internalized in science learning as a science learning resource containing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for teaching Temperature and Heat material.

Conceptualizing bioinformatics education in STEM literacy development for pre-service biology teachers

This study aimed to create a basic plan for adding bioinformatics education into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning, particularly for future biology teachers. By reviewing studies from 2019 to 2023 in the ERIC Database with the key terms "Bioinformatics Education" and "STEM Literacy," the research highlighted important areas in this subject. It organized the findings into four main themes related to bioinformatics education: levels of education, challenges faced, teaching methods, and methods for research or evaluation. Additionally, it identified three themes in STEM literacy: educational levels, challenges, and definitions or ways to measure it. The review pointed out a critical need for teaching materials, tools, and strategies in bioinformatics for future biology teachers at the college level. It also found a lack of research on STEM literacy at this level, with just three articles addressing it. These articles examined STEM literacy through skills such as general knowledge, career awareness, and communication skills. The suggested basic plan promotes combining bioinformatics education with real-world biological issues, career preparation, and addressing educational shortcomings. It recommends a bioinformatics module with specific curriculum content, tools, and teaching methods to improve STEM literacy, including knowledge, attitudes, and skills in STEM. This plan could guide future research in classrooms to improve STEM literacy among future biology teachers through bioinformatics education.

Personalized Design of Student Autonomy in STEM Curriculum

This paper explores the implementation of personalized design approaches to enhance student autonomy in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The current state of STEM curriculum in China is examined, highlighting existing challenges in its implementation. The role of autonomy in learning is discussed, emphasizing its definition, importance, and its correlation with effective STEM learning. The paper then delves into personalized design approaches, including the customization of learning paths, integration of real-world applications, utilization of educational technology, and the adoption of project-based learning. Barriers to implementing personalized design are identified, encompassing teacher training, resource challenges, and cultural considerations. The advantages and implications of personalized design are discussed, focusing on improved student engagement, performance, and alignment with educational goals. The paper concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of personalized design in STEM education.