A high school teacher’s perspective on STEM learning in schools.

“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” (National Science Foundation)

By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field. A curriculum that is STEM-based has real-life situations to help the student learn. STEM activities provide hands-on and minds-on lessons for the student and thus support students’ different learning modes. Making math and science both fun and interesting helps the student to do much more than just learn. STEM subjects can be learnt best through interactive, fun and engaging workshops, classroom activities that boost the interest towards these subject, and also by having access to STEM boosting devices and toys at home to explore.

It is essential that teachers are provided access to the best professional development, quality resources, and instructional support to increase their commitment to the success of all students. Educational toys and STEM resources are valuable investments for classrooms, that every school/educational institution should look at making.

Providing the students and teachers with an opportunity to incorporate STEM learning courses at the middle school level can potentially reverse the declining standardized test scores (James et al. 2014, p. 2).

– This article is written by a high school maths and science teacher.