Overall, after discussing the student with the parent and exploring ways that he could improve his grade, I could not help but ask myself a few questions. First, when do students and parents start thinking like this? And ultimately, since testing has proven that achievement in STEM content areas and higher level literacy are directly linked, what can be done to engage students in math and the other STEM disciplines?
Anyone that has children of their own, or has spent time with small children, understands how curious and creative they are by nature. In addition, students at the elementary school level have large imaginations and are enthralled with how the world around them works. For this reason alone, research has shown that the implementation of STEM curriculum should start at the elementary school level. If this was to occur, it would not be a stretch to assume that some of the misconceptions about math and science could be easily erased. Students would understand that STEM courses are not just about math equations and lab reports. Realistically, STEM curriculum is about solving problems through exploration and discovery. It is about independent thinking and teaching kids the skills necessary to solve real world problems. Overall, exploration and discovery leads to engaged students and ultimately self regulated learners.
A further review of STEM curriculum reflects how engaging it would be for elementary school students. STEM problems are open ended and encourage original research, which develops higher level thinking. As part of this, students would be fully involved in designing, implementing, and testing their solutions. In the long run, STEM curriculum prepares students to be good decision makers, creative thinkers, and excellent problem solvers. Don't our students deserve that much?
References:
http://resourcelibrary.compasslearning.com/ContentCenter/ViewAsset/a1e7dcb0-2515-423e-9b36-a2c7979f1b2c
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2011/10/literacy_stem_ed_see_strong_em.html
I think you brought up a very good point: many parents that feel they were not good at math are not able to help or enforce skills at home, so their child struggles in math. They make it OK for their child to just "not be good at math." Implementing STEM skills at a younger age is a great idea because the students are curious and willing to experiment.
ReplyDeleteJason,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this blog. When you discussed the mother's point of view, I have heard many others say the same thing. I have heard peers say the same similar things, "No one in my family is good at science, so I know its not going to work for me." This touches my inquiry project about girls. One reason that some girls are not interested in sciences or math is because they feel they cannot do it. A way to do away with this thinking, is to teach students that ability can be improved. With hard work and practice, one can begin to understand difficult subjects.
Also, I agree that STEM is about solving problem and being innovative. Recently, my dad and I were working on my car, and we couldnt understand how to fix one part. Well, not to pat myself on the back(:)) I solved the problem! My dad went on to say, I guess thats why you majored in a science.