STEM Research
How can STEM make math more engaging?
STEM can make math more engaging by giving students a purpose in their learning. STEM allows students to recognize how they will be using these skills in the real world. STEM allows for hands-on interactive activities that stimulate the mind so much more than a worksheet. Students will be excited for the challenge and want to learn in order to be successful. Edutopia discussed engaging students in a classroom through STEM "making" and how this influences learning. The article discusses how allowing students to become makers in the classroom and using their hands has increased engagement in core subjects such as math. The article states "making is about empowering students to see they can bring their ideas to life, and create new things." This quote speaks wonders to how STEM can create an engaging, hands-on, and all-around great learning experience for students in the classroom. |
What is STEM?
Stem stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. This Study in the States article discusses the need for more workers in this field- jobs are opening but there is not enough people to fill them. There is an increased need, as stated in the article to get American citizens interested in this field of study. How does STEM benefit students? Stephanie Hill does a great job in her Ted Talk Video discussing the "superpowers" of STEM in schools. Hill discusses how if she was not exposed to these opportunities, classes, and activities where STEM was integrated she would not have found her passion to become an engineer. STEM benefits students by creating a culture where all gender and ethnicities are confident and comfortable pursuing further education into STEM. On the Engineering for Kids website it discusses how introducing STEM activities can help bridge the gender gap in the STEM field. While even though every school is not a STEM school there is still opportunties to introduce activities and engagement through the use of STEM eduction. How can STEM activties be implemented into classrooms? STEM activités are largely based on project-based learning and hands on activity. They involve taking the subject matter and putting it to work. The math portion of STEM can be used in all grade levels and subject areas. These activities can be implemented through small-group instruction and independent stations during math. STEM Revolution blog has the 6 characteristics of effective STEM classroom design. This blog post goes through the different things needed in a classroom for productive STEM education to occur. One of these 6 that stood out is creating a flipped classroom. This involves the teachers loosening the reins and allowing students to become problem-solvers and facilitating their own discussions. The blog does a great job of explaining each characteristic and how to implement this into the classroom. |