You might have heard about STEM education and STEM subjects and how it is gaining popularity and importance in the field of education. The concept of STEM education is new, that’s why many teachers and educators face the problem of what STEM is. And how can we teach this to students simply and effectively? Now, if we look at the full form of STEM which is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, simple right? These are the subjects which are being taught to the students for years. So what’s changed? The change is in the way they are taught in STEM education.
In STEM education the principles and concepts of all its core subjects are taught to students in an integrative manner. It means that instead of teaching all the subjects separately, STEM education focuses on teaching the concepts of one subject relating or integrating with concepts of another subject. This makes the understanding of complex principles simpler and provides the students with concrete reasons behind any theory or concept.
Now that we know what STEM education is? Let’s know how teachers can incorporate various methods and techniques to apply STEM education in their offline and online teaching.
Keep reading.
Give Projects To The Students: Project-based learning is a major method used in teaching STEM subjects to students. It’s fun, engaging and most importantly learning. Teachers, you can give various projects to students to do which will teach them different concepts and topics. Like, asking students to make projects on the magnetic fields, or asking them to create a working boat using hot-water steam, such projects incorporate aspects of different core subjects like maths, engineering and science. This will teach students about STEM subjects in a fun way. During these projects, teachers act as guides and facilitators and all the work is done by the students.
Ask Questions: Commonly, it is the students who ask their queries from the students but to teach STEM subjects teachers have to do the exact opposite of it. That means teachers will ask queries from students. STEM education involves inquiry-based learning, in which teachers ask the question why? why not? how and make students wonder and dig deeper into their brains and their knowledge. Using this method teaches students to not rote their chapters and concepts but to learn them, relate them to real-life situations and comprehend them better.
Start Small: STEM subjects are not easy to comprehend, many people keep learning even years after completing their education. So don’t rush your students to understand everything at once, give them time and most importantly start small. It means taking small steps every day in class like using the words like creating, thinking or telling them about some science experiment. Doing this will introduce students to the world of STEM education.
Take Them To Field Trips: STEM learning is all about experiential learning, so teachers, give as many practical experiences as you can to the students. One such way to do it is to take them on field trips, for example, take students to the science museums and show them various science experiments done, the history of scientific principles and who their creators are. Such educational field trips will not only teach students about STEM subjects but will also explain to them the reasons for their existence.
Use Language Knowledge: Teachers can use language subjects to teach about STEM. Teachers can create an online Blog corner on the school’s website, on which students can write about their scientific ideas, projects made by them, or their queries. This will be like an online classroom storyboard on which students can discuss various topics related to STEM subjects and can teach and learn from each other. Teachers can monitor these blogs and also add their comments and suggestions too.
Use The Technology: Technology is the biggest and the best tool for teaching STEM subjects. Teachers use it to the maximum potential. You can use simulation games, an online classroom app, and technology like virtual and augmented technology to teach students engagingly and interestingly. These technologies make experiential learning possible, without any extra tools and students can learn from anywhere too.
