STEM: the curriculum integration approach #makereducation
As opposed to pushing traditional science, math, technology, and engineering courses, some educators in the UK see subject integration as a viable strategy to increase the number of college graduates proficient in STEM fields, from telegraph.co.uk.
How do we address the lack of STEM graduates and get more girls into STEM subjects? This is a question that provokes continued debate both in the UK and on a global stage.
This Sunday the question was taken up by a panel at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai, where “starting early at primary school” was the main argument to emerge.
Speaking at the forum, Sir Michael Tomlinson, former chief inspector of schools for Ofsted called for “more and better physics teachers” and “improved advice and encouragement for pupils.”
A recent report from the Institute of Physics found that, currently, four times as many boys are studying physics at A level than girls.
During the discussion, Sir Michael highlighted the need for people with STEM skills in the UK, adding that there’s a “shortage of high quality subject teachers in these areas.”
He said that starting STEM development in early years at primary school would help to challenge the current belief among schoolchildren that these subjects were difficult and only led down a specific career path such as “being a scientist”, when actually STEM subjects “open up a variety of career options.”
Amanda Jenkins, advisory board member for the Varkey GEMS Foundation supported this statement saying: “This is a lifelong journey, which starts with parents then schools and universities, we have to work together.
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Each Tuesday is EducationTuesday here at Adafruit! Be sure to check out our posts about educators and all things STEM. Adafruit supports our educators and loves to spread the good word about educational STEM innovations!