Some experts believe that over the next 10 years approximately 80% of the jobs that will be created in the United States will require math and science skills. Unfortunately, this is coming at a time when our colleges and universities are producing an ever decreasing number of students that majored in science or math related fields. Many believe that this has occurred because most students are leaving high school poorly prepared to major in math or science disciplines. In retrospect, this is largely due to ineffective teaching methods in math and science. As a result, students are uninterested in the content areas. This has caused students to major in what they perceive to be "easier" or more interesting majors. Overall, if this trend continues there will be a significant shortage of qualified workers, in the United States, in fields that require math and science skills.
One of the options being implemented, and funded by our government, in many parts of our country is the idea of STEM literacy. STEM literacy is a meta-discipline that is based on the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into one subject. STEM literacy is driven by problem solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and requires students to actively engage a situation to find its solution. As can be assumed, STEM literacy is student centered in nature and provides students with real world applications at an early age.
The hyperlink above is an example of a STEM literacy program that has been successfully implemented. As can be seen from the video, STEM literacy is interactive in nature and is designed to teach the whole student. It is not built around lectures and just sitting in a classroom behind a desk. It is based on putting students in situation where they work in teams, or independently, and solve real world problems. In the long run, this creates students that are self-regulated, more innovative, interested in math and science, and better prepared to work in our technology driven economy. Overall, not withstanding math and science, self regulation should be a goal for every student. For that reason alone, all teachers and educators should understand the importance of STEM literacy.
In conclusion, corporations throughout our country are under increased pressure to compete in the global market. In many cases, our global competitors are producing innovative products that used to be created in the United States. In the long run, this lack of innovation and product development will lead to fewer high quality American jobs and a less prosperous society. STEM literacy offers real solutions for this problem and will develop students that can lead America back to relevance in math and science. Based on where we are at this point, is there a better option?
References:
http://www.orau.org/leadershipsummit/pdf/abts.pdf
http://www.partnership4learning.org/files/STEM%20Literacy.pdf
http://theapple.monster.com/stem_teachers/articles/9439-stem-ing-the-rising-education-tide
http://www.examiner.com/k-12-in-hartford/stem-literacy-can-the-u-s-afford-not-to-support-it
I think this concept is fantastic. I always tell you a person is either a Math brain or Science brain - not both. Perhaps this is due to the thought process we are taught during our school years. If the concepts are combined, it may be easier to fully understand them collectively.
ReplyDeleteI agree that many people are either a math brain or science brain. I have always been great at math, but when it comes to applications that matter it is difficult to think through. The government does need to put forth their effort in implementing STEM education in our school systems.
ReplyDeleteWhen STEM education is put in place, efforts should not stop there. Educators need to make our society aware of the importance of STEM careers in order to keep the programs active. If students are able to work independently through a real world problem, it might build their confidence at a younger age so they can pursue the vast amount of future STEM careers.
I think that STEM literacy is a better option for students because it allows students to use their critical thinking skills. Also, in the article that I was reading it also stated that in every aspect we will need science. For instant it never came across my mind that you will need science as a beautician, but you will. You'll need in it for finding the right color for someones hair!
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