What is STEM Education? A mother's perspective

[Note: This article is not written by a  professional educator rather these are expressions of a mother for other parents who would like to understand STEM in simple and easy language. Special attention is given to the STEM education scenario in Pakistan.]

What is STEM education:

STEM education is the new buzz word in the field of education. What exactly is STEM education from a consumer's point of view? Well! if we simply try to explain it, STEM is an acronym that stands for (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Another term that is interchangeably/alternatively used is STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), that includes Arts in it. Here Arts means applied arts and creative thinking. 

STEM approach is based on curriculum (the totality of student's experiences), not on traditional textbooks. What does this mean? (this questions may pop up in your mind promptly). It simply means that students are not required to learn by a standard textbook that they have to learn by heart. A curriculum that is STEM-based has real-life situations and hands-on experiences to help the kids in their learning process. This means that the focus in STEM-based curriculum is on imparting skills (not on facts) that are crucial to living in this technology-driven and fast-paced world. For example, if a child is learning about what is a bridge? The STEM-based approach will encourage the kid to search about bridges, types of bridges, famous historical bridges by consulting different books (which are not his/her textbooks) using technology (like google, voice control personal assistance), building a prototype of a bridge ( with the help of different materials like paper, popsicle sticks, lego or other blocks), test the strengths and properties of different materials and so on.

Benefits of STEM education:

Another question that may arise in our minds is about the benefits of STEM approach. STEM has multiple benefits for the learners;

1. It promotes inquiry and research-oriented learning in students. It develops a passion to explore rather than memorization of facts, by encouraging curiosity.
2. The gap between theoretical and practical aspects are bridged when children see the real-life application.
3. With STEM children are taught diverse skills (critical thinking, evaluation of information, independent thinking, problem-solving, and research). Skills are taught in an applied way that fosters the love of learning.

STEM-based schools/start-ups in Pakistan:

There are many schools in Pakistan that claim to be STEM schools. SICAS, L'ecole Mondiale(Islamic value-based), and SOAR Stem School are a few names in Lahore. Other initiatives include

• Robotronics (robotics, Arduino, coding, and animation, app development)
• RoboKids  (robotics and engineering, space detective, mental maths, coding)
• Science Fuse (science experiments)
• Stem 360 (mathelatics mental maths, engineering, space science)

Challenges faced by the STEM approach:

There are some challenges faced by the STEM approach.

• It is expensive!
• The fixed mindset of the society that limits creativity and innovation.
• Traditional teaching approaches makes it difficult for teachers to come out of their comfort zone.

 Can we bring STEM education at home?

STEM education is considered expensive that is not in the reach of most of the parents in Pakistan. Can you do it at home? In my experience, the answer is yes! First of all, parents need to have a growth mindset that is always open to learning, as you know kids learn best by example. STEM approach can be applied with simple materials easily available at home like blocks, play dough, popsicle sticks, toothpicks, rubber bands, etc) it is not about expensive apparatus but the way of teaching (methodology) is all that counts. If you can not afford the expensive STEM schooling, occasional short courses from the above-mentioned initiatives and start-ups will definitely enhance your kid's learning. There are many STEM-based toys available in online stores that can help a lot. Here are the links to my few videos that will give you insight into how STEM toys work.

Learn to make 3D shapes: Mathematics

Salt powered Truck: Engineering

Simple Circuit: Electrical Engineering

Conclusion:

I would like to conclude by saying that a mixed approach is the best approach in Pakistan. In the early years if the STEM approach is used it will prepare inquiry-based minds that question and explore. But in general, our education system is focused on memorization and competition to earn the highest grades. We should keep hope alive, maybe in the near future, our education system will shift its focus on preparing future innovators.

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