What is STEM & STEM Education ?
Most people already understand that STEM is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering & Maths, which means studying these science fields for an end result of becoming a Scientist or an engineer or a doctor. But honestly, STEM education is so much more than a than just a college degree or a profession.
STEM Education is a philosophy that empowers children and adults alike with critical life skills that makes understanding concepts behind objects that we communicate with on a day-to-day basis easier and more relatable. It makes right brain and left-brain work in coordination with each other and all the way empowering us to make well-informed decisions.
STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to various studies of science like science, technology, math’s etc. that elaborates the synchronicity of these disciplines to each other rather than an isolated area of study.
This interdisciplinary approach is more reflective of how these concepts interact in real life and also how these STEM fields operate in real life.
Importance of STEM education for today’s children
Develops Critical Thinking – Due to its interconnected approach STEM education inspires children to look at problems from different perspectives and angles. It’s like looking through a glass prism and making decisions keeping various elements (internal & external) in mind.
This approach teaches them the application of the skills that they learn in a practical way.
Enhances their EQ – Working on STEM projects or real life STEM applications children get to explore their soft skills as well. Finding solutions to problems also requires a certain emotional skill set like project management skills, team management skills, collaboration, patience with results and empathy towards the implications of the final solution which might have different levels of pros and cons
Prepares children fro their future careers - It’s no secret what job & industry trends we will be seeing in the future owing to our current consumption of technology in every aspect of our lives. STEM skills being amalgamations of various science disciplines are import skill sets to explore for future needs. With the increasing digitalization of our world STEM experts will be in huge demand with skills like Computer tech, Coding, Engineering, Bionics etc. As per certain reports there will be shortage of STEM graduates in most countries in the next 5-8 years.
Breaking Barriers & Stereotypes – Introduction of STEM education early on in the education system, ideally at primary school level encourages children to explore STEM skills without prejudice and help them identify their talents and things that they enjoy doing and would want to pursue further. Including STEM education as part of the curriculum would help children to tap into their curiosity and help eliminate gender bias related to certain tech fields being unfit for girls or for stereotypes that relate to different strata of society.
Also, it would help in diminishing the pre conditioning of children related to good grades and bad grades based on theoretical examinations.
Some easy ways to introduce STEM would be:
- STEM kits or toys that spark the curiosity of your child.
- Online STEM skills learning like coding, computer languages etc.
- Introducing STEM in the education curriculum.