need to memorise letters, numerals, daily used words and their spellings.
As they step into primary, educator prepares them to think and apply the concept - the next and crucial step after learning.
The concept of STEM education is helping teachers to provide students with an environment where they can apply their concepts and enjoy learning concepts.
STEM education acts as a tool that gets students learnt the real-life context of a concept, and enables them to think critically by applying it to solve a given problem.
Government initiatives about STEM programs have a lot more for students to learn concepts connecting to innovation and technology.
Going forward, we’ll have a lot more to discuss STEM Education, its importance, and present & future prospects.
So continue reading!
What is STEM?
STEM is a unique learning method that supports students’ interests, provokes critical thinking, and encourages them to innovate.
Curriculum and pedagogy in STEM education are entirely different from the traditional education system.
The curriculum was designed by aiming, ‘learn by doing’.
STEM which stands for Science, Technology, Engineer, and Mathematics isn’t about teaching each subject differently, instead, it’s about wiring them into one and then delivering the concept.
Whether it’s a pre-primary, primary, elementary, or secondary class, STEM has a set of games or collaborative activities which aim for the holistic growth of the children.
What Is Strong STEM Curriculum And Approach?
STEM's curriculum aims to involve students in every activity wholeheartedly and make learning enjoyable and take the fear of making mistakes away.
The curriculum provides activities that fit the particular class of students.
Pre-primary school:
Well, this is the foundation stage, so pupils are given time to identify the STEM subjects. The curriculum usually has more and more activities which allow students to enjoy the subjects. E.g. games involve identifying and learning numbers, puzzles to identify letters, balloons to locate and learn about colours etc. including several other games.
Primary School:
At this level, students are assigned ‘observation-based activities. E.g. Observe nature like how a plant grows, the seed germinates, tools required to plant a tree, etc.
To enhance critical thinking, students are provided with puzzle games, or a task to build something in a group.
Middle School:
Concepts of physics like gravity are introduced with a more practical approach. Enhancing critical thinking, students are provided with a real-life scenario to solve.
High School:
Reaching this level, the majority of the students identify their interest in Science and Mathematics. Thus they are inclined towards the task or activities connected to their interest area.
Several internships are organised under the STEM curriculum and students can participate in them and explore more.
Why Is STEM Education Important?
STEM education ensures the holistic growth of students. Extracurricular activities, games, projects, AI devise uses, electronic games, etc. are a crucial part of the STEM education curriculum.
Since early school days, students are encouraged to think about solutions and observe nature.
During primary and middle school, exposure to several curricular activities increases listening and vocational skills.
Working in a team inculcates a positive attitude in students.
Deep thinking and problem-solving skills improve with the involvement of every activity.
Educators motivate students to apply their learned concepts and think to innovate something useful.
Better clarity of the interest by end of the school, and students can pursue their interest by getting enrol on the course or the project offered by the institute work on STEM pedagogy.
What Is the Current Level of STEM Education In India?
Seeing the impeccable impact of STEM education, Indian education has its full support. The government has already launched programs inspired by STEM education.
Let’s understand these programs briefly:
I-STEM: Accomplishing the vision of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’’, Govt. of India has launched the I-STEM program. It’s more like a bank of research-related resources. Having this institution as support for aspiring researchers, their innovative minds wouldn’t face a lack of resources kind of hurdle.
The program runs on fixed verticals that look after research-related needs like budget, team, and R&D requirements.
Atal Innovation Mission: Empowering youth to innovate and think creatively, STEM learning-based organization Atal Innovation Mission has been launched.
Here, the students from primary to senior grade student may present their ideas, and get appropriate guidance, and exposure to present it.
Under this mission, Atal Tinkering Labs has been established. These labs have experienced facilitators who assist the students and give the right direction to their ideas and help them to deliver them.
Also, the labs are occupied with the most research-required material, so the issues in ongoing research can be minimised.
Robo Shikha Kendra:
It’s another initiative for children who wish to innovate under the STEM stream. Robo Shikha Kendra is connected to the ATL project where students use their labs to give physical form to their ideas and do the unthinkable for the ordinary.
What Are The STEM Education Paths?
STEM education paths in India are open from elementary school. Students can enrol on the STEM course and continue their education until the end of school.
STEM job opportunities have also spread in India mainly to the metro cities. 2016 statistics tell India appears in second place with around 2.6 million STEM graduates.
Several initiatives to popularise STEM education are taken by Govt. of India. Programs for STEM education are supporting bright and innovative minds in every possible manner, so the students keep their spirit of problem-solving high.
What Are The Future Prospects of STEM Education In India?
Seeing the progressive digitalization in different fields, increasing number of research labs, and introduction of coding as a subject to the primary classes, one can say incredible growth will be seen in the field of STEM.
During the lockdown, the use of digital tools has increased immensely. Kindergarten students are learning their foundational subjects through online mediums.
Enough resources to support STEM education as mentioned above are made available by Govt. of India. The combination of STEM subjects and technology will take it to great heights.
Conclusion:
To be a progressive nation in every field, it needs its young mind to be problem solvers. STEM education works to inculcate a problem-solving attitude in the young generation.
Every subject of STEM i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics offers enough scope to explore things and innovate.
The popularity of STEM courses is globalised. Enough opportunities are available for the students to make their STEM path progressive and they can excel in their chosen field.
Undoubtedly the future of every nation will be glorious when every 8 of 10 students will appear as innovators, problem solvers, and great thinkers. And it can definitely be possible through the awareness and expansion of STEM education.
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