The 21st-century phenomenon recognizes the importance of preparing today’s youth and giving them the skills necessary to be successful in an influential role in the future workplace. The world of employment is rapidly changing, so education has to quickly follow suit so that children are fully prepared when they leave school and move into a complex new work environment. Schools, after-school activity educators, and tutors offer fascinating learning options for children and teens.
WANT MORE STEAM/STEM/AI GUIDES TO SINGAPORE:
- SCHOOLS: The Most Tech-Oriented Schools In Singapore
- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Unique STEM/STEAM-oriented after-school programs in Singapore
- TOYS: STEM & STEAM Toys in Singapore that everyone is talking about.
- CODING/ROBOTICS: Classes in Singapore For Kids
- AI FOR PARENTS: 101 Parents Guide To How AI Will Affect Education
- AI COMPANIES: AI Companies Changing The World Of Education
WHAT IS STEM/STEAM MEAN?
- STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- STEAM is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics
The terminology refers to careers centered around science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, the most rapidly growing industries worldwide. To remain competitive, educators have introduced STEM and STEAM into global educational frameworks to prepare children for the future. Adding arts to the education program makes learning more fun, keeps kids more engaged, encourages personal expression, and makes the purpose of what they are learning. Interestingly, people with STEAM-related degrees make higher incomes and have a critical role in sustained growth and stability. Future job roles could include being a data scientist, systems architect, cybersecurity expert, and food scientist.
In an ever-changing and increasingly complex world, it is more important that today’s youth have the skills and knowledge to solve problems, understand information, and gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. Training in the arts is known to improve creativity and innovation. Students learn to approach issues with a critical mind and a positive attitude toward problem-solving. Exposure to the arts enhances communication skills essential for collaboration, flexibility, and adaptability.
Why are STEM and STEAM Programs So Important?
STEM and STEAM have emerged as two leading routes to providing excellent education and well-rounded students. Job forecasts identify huge increases in jobs requiring secondary and post-secondary education in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics in future years. Bringing STEM and STEAM into the classroom gives students many more opportunities.
Some of the tools students will have access to are:
- Model Eliciting Activities have five characteristics: model eliciting, open-ended, generalizable, realistic, self-assessable
- Project Based Learning includes reflection, research, discovery, application, and communication
- Hands-on learning
- Cooperative learning
- Discussion and inquiry
- Question and conjecture
- Justification of thinking
- Writing for reflection and problem solving
- Use a problem-solving approach
- Integrate technology
- Teach as a facilitator
- Use assessment as part of instruction
