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Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are essential subjects in every student’s education. Starting as early as preschool, educators are tasked with finding ways to provide quality, engaging STEM curricula to students that prepare them for the STEM workforce.
There are a variety of challenges educators face when implementing STEM with students. In this article, we will address eight of the most common challenges of administering STEM lessons and the best solutions to overcome them.
A common challenge for educators and school administrators when creating curriculum maps that include STEM lessons is insufficient funding and resources. This discrepancy between each school and school district’s funding creates disparities between the quality of education each student receives, something that educators actively try to combat.
Here are three potential solutions to funding and resource-related issues educators and school administrators face:
When implementing a STEM curriculum, it is crucial to ensure the learning material is relevant and engaging to students, aligning with state standards and connecting to real-world examples. Integrating STEM lessons into an existing curricula plan can often pose challenges for educators as they try to create a seamless learning experience for their students.
Below are three ways for educators and administrators to effectively integrate STEM curriculum into the classroom lesson plan:
STEM subjects can be daunting for educators and students alike. Many educators find implementing a new STEM curriculum difficult, especially if it is not in their area of expertise. This fear can be overcome through proper training and access to professional development for educators.
Below are three solutions for school administrators looking to prepare their educators to effectively implement STEM lessons in the classroom:
There are many stereotypes present throughout the education system, most of which are damaging to the potential success of students. While it can be easier to ignore these stereotypes, it does students a disservice not to address them. Addressing these misconceptions is the first of many steps that need to be taken to ensure students overcome STEM stereotypes that may stop them from pursuing STEM degrees and careers.
Here are three ways educators can address and combat stereotypes in STEM education, and more specifically in their classrooms:
Educators are tasked with the responsibility of providing students with STEM lessons that are interesting, engaging, and relevant. This can be done through a variety of methods, two of the most effective being hands-on lessons and activities that connect to real-world applications. Through using these proven teaching methods, educators can cater to the needs of a wide range of learners and increase the chance of student success on a given lesson.
Below are three proven ways to engage students in STEM lessons:
Each student is unique – with their own learning style, educational background, and current skill set. It is the job of educators and school administrators to find ways to engage each student in the classroom curriculum, which is no small task.
Here are three ways to adapt STEM curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students:
The STEM workforce is rapidly changing as it takes into account and uses the many technological advances we have seen in recent years, for example artificial intelligence (AI). When students prepare to go into higher education and the STEM workforce, it is going to be expected they are fluent in technology and are prepared to leverage it in their role. This starts with educators and school administrators finding ways to keep their STEM lessons in line with industry standards and best practices.
Below are three ways for educators to keep up with evolving technology and best practices in STEM:
STEM concepts can be found in almost every area of daily life. This connection to the real world helps students to see why what they are learning matters and increases their engagement with the lesson.
Here are three ways to connect STEM lessons to real-world applications:
Creating inclusive STEM environments is the best way to ensure underrepresented groups in STEM feel comfortable and confident. This confidence at the primary education level helps students to feel empowered to continue taking difficult STEM courses and pursue careers in these areas.
Below are three ways to create an inclusive classroom environment where students feel empowered and comfortable taking risks:
Educators and school administrators are responsible for providing students with quality STEM lessons that help prepare them for college and their future careers. This article was created to help educators overcome these eight most common challenges when teaching STEM, providing potential solutions for each.
If you are an educator or school administrator looking for more STEM education tips, updates, and ideas, click here to explore the STEM Sports® blogs.
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