What is STEM education and why is it important?


Do you know what is stem education? Do you know STEM education plays a critical role in developing the scientific temper in students and advancement in technological innovation in a country? In this article, I will discuss STEM modules of education and why it is important?

Introduction

STEM education is an interdisciplinary curriculum idea of four specific subjects-science, technology, engineering and mathematics essential for the growth and development of a country. STEM is a synonym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM education program is considered a more valuable model of education in the 21st century than it was ever before. It plays a vital role in innovation and scientific advancements in a country. More focus has been shifted to these subjects to inspire students with scientific temper and equip them with critical thinking ability and provide quality education to innovate, develop and discover technological advancements.

The U.S is leading in STEM education programs

The United States is leading the world in STEM education programs and have always tightened the grip in scientific and technological innovation. But during 2009, interest in STEM education started falling in students. So, the Obama administration announced a campaign "educate to innovate" to inspire and motivate students towards STEM model of education. As the U.S. doesn't want to be complacent with other fields of education. They always look to develop scientific temper in children which would eventually help the country with the more technically advanced and progressive state.

In 2014 Obama administration invested $3.1 billion for STEM education and on different research programs to inspire encourage and motivate students to promote the scientific temper.

STEM education enhances problem-solving skills

Many schools and colleges in India are also focusing on broad-spectrum of STEM education benefits as it helps students develop computational thinking ability, enhance logical thinking and problem-solving skills. It helps students in the holistic learning process and develops intellectual capability and pattern recognition. STEM education lesson plans also improve skill, knowledge and applicability of interdisciplinary research in students. Schools are funded by the government to promote and inspire students for an interdisciplinary method of learning. Four broad disciplines of STEM( science, technology, engineering and mathematics) holds the key for future generations and moulding the country into technologically advanced and a prosperous state. India is the second most populated country in the world and there can be a diversified and innovative educational method incorporated to enlighten the students in India.

According to a report by UNESCO, only 35% of women are pursuing higher education in STEM education programs globally. Though, UNESCO has been working towards encouraging women and inspiring them towards STEM education in different countries and become self-reliant. The economy of the country grows when all contribute to it and STEM is an opportunity to be self-sufficient.

Why Stem education

Education develops the intellectual faculty of a person and helps become financially independent. STEM education jobs are in high demand and ever-increasing. STEM graduates are more in demand by companies in India. According to the national science foundation, 80 % of upcoming jobs will be absorbing candidates with science and engineering background where the problem-solving, intellectual capability and rational thinking would be required. This is where STEM schooling comes into play. India has also started working in STEM education programs where a lot of innovations are taking place to stimulate the scientific attitude in students. Many STEM organisations have a tie-up with schools and colleges to set up STEM facilitation centers to develop the scientific and innovative temper in students. The schools and colleges are also upgrading the traditional classroom setting into more technically upgraded ones and also enhancing online learning. Libraries have been converted into digital settings for the benefit of students.

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), STEM education initiative

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), has initiated STEM education to inspire students for engineering-curricula model and professional development. However, in COVID-19 pandemic ComEd has started a virtual learning method to provide learners with an opportunity to acquire critical thinking ability and pattern recognition. ComEd launches many engaging activities for students to develop their cognitive abilities. In May 2020, ComEd launched a campaign for students, 'STEM never stop!'. Every two weeks, it releases new projects for students.

Conclusion

STEM model of education helps students spark a new Life in the field of technology and helps in promoting, encouraging and inspiring young mind to take up the challenging the scientific and technologically advanced discoveries. Therefore, it is important to reform the education system and devise some credible measure to promote stem education from the elementary level to facilitate a promising career for learners.


Comments

Author: Umar03 Oct 2020 Member Level: Gold   Points : 1

STEM education is important to enhance and inspire young minds towards scientific developments and innovations. We should encourage children to study these subjects and equip them with a rational and scientific temper.

Author: Swati Sharma20 Apr 2021 Member Level: Gold   Points : 3

STEM is not an abbreviated form of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics but an education system that integrates these. STEM is an area that helps children program, code, and understand a technical device. According to surveys conducted in the past about STEM education, children start taking interest in STEM fields at about the age of eight, because from this age they develop a trend towards technology, gadgets, and other devices. The author rightly suggested that we should encourage children to study these subjects.

Author: DR.N.V. Srinivasa Rao24 Mar 2022 Member Level: Diamond   Points : 6

A science student will never understand where his knowledge can be applied. An Engineering or technology graduate can never understand the underlying basic science in his work. So an Engineer or technologist with basic science knowledge or a scientist with application skills of his knowledge in various areas is the need of the hour. This is what people say. The people coming out of colleges are not able to directly work in their areas. This is because of the lack of development in all required fields. For a scientist or a technologist to develop a product or to establish a process, some basic knowledge in mathematics is very much required. In this backdrop only we are getting new education models like STEM.
The concept is very good and in many developed nations, this model is receiving very good attention. These days STEM graduates are having more scope to get good jobs in the industries and they will be more useful in designing and developing new products and processes. A very informative article from the author.



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