WHAT IS STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Currently most of the curriculum delivers the above critical subjects in silos. The approach may vary slightly depending on the curriculum; however, the delivery is more or less very classroom and blackboard centric.

A typical teacher and student interaction is in a manner where a teacher delivers the text book content and the student absorbs that. The student attends an examination (closed book or an open book) at the end of a semester and the teacher provides a score according to the student’s performance.

STEM based methodology, breaks this traditional approach and ensures learning through a combination of text, videos, ICT and real world hands on activities. The projects include scenarios where a child is required to learn and apply all the subjects together in a cohesive manner.

In STEM, subjects are built on each other; for example, mathematics provides foundations for physics – and physics in turn, for engineering. Engineering can apply their knowledge of physics to make technologically advanced devices.

IMPORTANCE OF STEM

A STEM based education creates innovators and thinkers who are able to make meaningful connect between school, community, work and global issues. With today’s technologically knit world, which is becoming more social day by day, it’s important for today’s children to have a holistic understanding of all these components. STEM is increasingly necessary in the today’s knowledge based economy. There are clear evidences that future jobs will be heavily depending on STEM based skill sets.