If you are a parent actively looking for a CBSE school for your child, you must have come across the term STEM Education. Although it has been around since the early 2000s, the history of STEM education dates back to the early 1990s. The Indian education system has also acknowledged its value and has been working effortlessly to make STEM education more accessible to all.
We live in an age and time when science and technology drive the world. Exposing children to these prime movers at an early age keeps them ahead of their time.
STEM education equips children with the skills to succeed in the excessively competitive and technologically driven modern world. Its holistic approach promotes the development of critical skills such as innovation, creative, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc. It enhances a child's ability to excel in academics and enables them to navigate life's challenges.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of STEM education, its benefits, challenges, and your role as a parent in inspiring your child to take this up.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It is a form of pedagogy that fosters an interdisciplinary framework by integrating scientific and technical subjects into the curriculum. It promotes an empirical learning approach by focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving.
STEM education shuns theoretical and rote learning and takes a practical approach to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the modern, digital-centric world.
It prepares them to acquire a creative and analytical outlook and hone their decision-making skills, which help them not only in education but also in the real world.
STEM programs in school focus on:
Since its inception, STEM education in India has been reshaping the scholastic system. Let’s delve into the benefits of STEM education.
STEM education takes a novel and engaging approach to learning. It aims to train students to think critically, preparing them to tackle academic and life challenges.
Here are some of the significant benefits of STEM education:
As mentioned, STEM education entails a hands-on, experiential approach. It hones children's problem-solving skills by tapping into their critical and creative thinking and reasoning abilities. It enables students to analyze a problem, think critically, apply apt educational principles, and develop a viable solution.
The training approach greatly enhances the students' cognitive skills, such as reasoning, decision-making, comprehension, executive functioning, self-regulation, working memory, and attention.
Furthermore, the practical nature of STEM education requires children to collaborate on various projects. This enhances their knowledge and other skills like teamwork, collaboration, conflict resolution, communication, etc.
These skills help students in their daily lives and while socializing. They also prepare them for the challenges of work life.
STEM programs in schools are interdisciplinary, so they involve more than two areas of knowledge. These programs help students understand the interrelations and establish a deeper comprehension of concepts. They also encourage multidimensional thinking and improve their academic performance.
STEM education introduces children to the basic concepts of essential subjects at a very early age. It helps fortify their foundational knowledge of science and technology.
Knowledge of these subjects unlocks a thousand career opportunities, such as AI, robotics, aerospace engineering, biotechnology, forensics, system analytics, software development, data analytics, bioinformatics, data science, etc. The skills acquired with STEM education improve their career prospects.
STEM education sharpens students' problem-solving skills. It plants several essential skills in their arsenal that help them navigate and conquer the workspace challenges.
STEM methodology invigorates problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, technical skills, etc. This skill set prepares them to thrive in the workspace.
The benefits of STEM education are immeasurable. However, educators and instructors must overcome certain obstacles to integrate STEM programs into the Indian education system. Here are the most common challenges:
Although there is no shortage of excellent schools in India that promise high-quality education, there is no denying that many schools are still stuck with a crude curriculum that reflects incompetency.
A comprehensive curriculum is the backbone of the STEM education system. A robust, up-to-date curriculum that includes all the theoretical concepts and provides an understanding and foundation of their practical application is a prerequisite.
Since several educational institutions lack quality curricula, integrating STEM programs in schools remains challenging.
As mentioned, STEM education focuses on the practical application of theoretical concepts. Educators and students require facilities, such as a well-equipped laboratory, modern learning resources, and access to computers and other learning aids for hands-on learning. Several schools in India do not have these resources, let alone digital resources. Several schools do not even have laboratory facilities. In such a scenario, implementing STEM programs becomes a hard nut to crack.
Educators run the entire education system. The STEM education system is no exception. This education system requires well-trained, competent, qualified teachers with expertise in the subjects. Many schools in India, especially those based in remote areas, do not have skilled educators to reinforce STEM education in India.
Another roadblock to STEM Education in India is the socio-economic disparity that prevails in every corner of the country. Children from low-income families do not have access to STEM education. Moreover, owing to the gender bias in India, basic education is a far-fetched dream for girls, let alone STEM education.
As a parent, your responsibility is to support and encourage your child in STEM learning. As your child pursues quality schooling, here is how you can support their endeavor:
Access to modern learning resources goes a long way in helping children wade through the challenges of STEM learning. As we are surrounded by modern technology, use it to your and your kid’s advantage.
The internet is full of educational content. Give your children access to apps that help them learn STEM subjects. Certain games and TV programs also let children grasp complicated concepts in a fun way. Make all these technological resources available to your children.
Show children the presence of STEM in everyday life. For instance, tell them how they quickly walk on the ground through gravity, how satellites connect us to the internet, how YouTube recommendations work on our smartphones, etc. You can also teach them STEM subjects through your daily chores. For instance, involve them in your grocery shopping and let them calculate costs.
Promoting problem-solving skills is an integral part of STEM education. Encourage this skill by letting your child solve problems on their own.
Whether it is a simple mathematical calculation or a complicated technical device troubleshooting, give your child the time and space to tackle these challenges.
You can even create such situations and let your child take over. For instance, if a gadget breaks down, let your child dissect it and learn.
STEM Programs in India offer an excellent platform for students to learn about STEM subjects and inculcate specific essential skills, like collaboration, teamwork, communication, etc., through team activities, experiments and research, STEM-related games, etc. Encourage your children to participate in these programs and activities and learn alongside their peers.
Children are born curious, and STEM education amplifies their curiosity by manifolds. Let your child be curious and ask questions. Instead of getting annoyed, be patient and answer their questions. If you do not know the answer, sit with them and help them find it in books or on the internet.
Learning through play is the best form of learning. Create a fun learning environment at home by introducing your child to games that encourage STEM learning. Lego is the perfect example of how playing can induce learning by introducing your child to design principles and structural engineering.
You can also incorporate some fun DIY projects, like using cardboard boxes or household items to create something fun. Board games that involve creative and critical thinking are also a fun way to learn.
Choose schools that have integrated STEM learning programs in their curriculum. STEM programs in schools are an excellent opportunity to introduce your child to this form of learning at an early age.
Take your children to science museums or parks and let them witness the fascinating world of science and technology. It will spark their interest in STEM subjects.
Science and technology are dictating the world, and things are not going to change anytime soon. Science and technology will remain the world's driving force for ages to come. Hence, the future of STEM education in India is bright.
The demand for talented and skilled professionals in STEM-related fields will continue to grow. This will open a new horizon for youngsters. Making your children STEM-ready guarantees a prosperous future.
STEM education in India is promoted by CBSE board. If you want your child to have a strong grasp on these subjects to have an aptitude for government examinations after class 12, CBSE is the perfect way to achieve the same. However, it is crucial to ensure your child receives top-notch education during growth years by experience quality education.
DWPS Barasat creates opportunities for both practical and theoretical learning to promote STEM education in the most holistic way possible. Our faculty not only has expert teachers but they are also equipped to walk students through practical laboratory experiments needed for STEM. We have a science room, math room, computer room, and also dedicated areas for extracurricular activities. Contact us today to know how we support our students through this journey.
