How Can Teachers Use STEM To Improve Curriculum And Instruction?

Give your students STEM-focussed education to equip them for the challenges of the future…

All students deserve an education that helps them to succeed in today’s technology-rich, global society. STEM-focused education helps to achieve this goal. The purpose of STEM education in educational institutions is to collaborate on the best pedagogy and curriculum to develop students who are prepared to meet the challenges of their future. Learning through STEM equips students with tools to develop collaborative networks, creative and systematic problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and long-term strategic outlooks.

Successful STEM students may at first glance appear identical to other students. Yet, students who excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have characteristics that are unique to the STEM disciplines. Students who are flexible thinkers and productive group members comprise the majority of STEM learners. These students effortlessly apply problem-solving skills in changing environments. Following are the characteristics of successful STEM students:

1. Adaptable

Successful STEM students are flexible thinkers who apply understandings by creating new and relevant solutions. Although they easily adapt to changing situations, they have an organized way of solving problems. They are actively engaged in the learning process. As a result, STEM students are often viewed as positive role models. These students:

• Relish the challenge of discovering something new.
• Are receptive to change.
• Maintain a problem-solving attitude when obstacles arise.
• View situations from varying perspectives.
• Adjust preferred learning styles when creating solutions.
• Adapt to ever changing environments, tools, and technology.

2. Productive Group Members

All successful endeavors require the works of diverse groups of people. The ability to work as cohesive groups with peers defines STEM students. It involves being able to build and extend knowledge through the exchange of ideas. These students:

• Demonstrate the importance of collaboration.
• Understand their responsibilities for group and self.
• Work as an efficient team.

3. Higher Order Thinking Skills

In model STEM classrooms, students are continually engaged in rigorous instruction. This may look different in individual classrooms. However, higher order thinking skills are always observed. STEM students’ application of knowledge and skills sets them apart from other students. They do not simply “fill in the blanks.” They take their understandings and apply them by creating new solutions to complex problems. These students are proficient in:

• Applying
• Creating
• Evaluating
• Critical Thinking

4. Tech Savvy

An intuitive grasp of technology is often viewed in strong STEM students. Yet, being technologically literate means more than just knowing how to use various software programs or operate various electronic devices. These students are able to:

• Adapt the use of technology to ever changing environments.
• Use available technology for learning effectively.

5. Motivated

An important trait of STEM students is their enthusiasm for learning. Motivation is often viewed as an indicator of success. It can also be used as a measure of giftedness. These students are:

• Highly committed to what they are doing.
• Ready to delve deeply into content.
• Continually asking questions and finding answers.
• Persistent learners.

6. Scientific Thinking

STEM programming is a viable solution for nurturing scientific thinking and promoting lifelong learning. The best example of a scientist is observed in any preschool-age child. Their authentic need for asking questions and finding answers exemplifies the ideal scientist. These students are:

• Able to think critically.
• On a constant quest for knowledge
• Able to collect, record, and interpret accurate data.
• Able to draw conclusions that are evidence based.

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