While all educational professionals can benefit from innovation in curriculum design, science teachers are uniquely positioned to benefit from novel approaches in the classroom. In today’s technological world, traditional teaching methods are insufficient to ensure that students are adequately prepared to thrive in STEM careers.
For the innovative-minded, Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) – Science program offers a chance to hone your ability to implement creative lessons that can bring science to life. As one example, the course Foundations of the STEM Classroom will educate graduates about the impact of science and technology on classrooms, schools and school districts.
As Teach For All states: “For STEM education to truly transform lives and communities, it must go beyond conventional teaching, connecting science, technology, engineering, and math to the challenges students face in the world around them.” Future STEM teachers have the opportunity to incorporate tools to inspire the next generation of thinkers and innovators in their classrooms.
The Importance of Early STEM Education
It can be easy for students to assume that they just don’t “get” STEM subjects. Even worse, negative stereotypes about who is suited for the field are widespread, even among young children. According to an article published by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN): “A recent study funded by the National Science Foundation found that children as young as six develop attitudes that males are better at computer science and engineering than females.” This is just one reason why it is important to include exposure to these topics early in their education.
But how should educators approach this goal? According to the CoSN article: “it is clear that fostering interest in STEM from an early age requires intentional, hands-on approaches that inspire both educators and students.” More specifically, teachers can provide unique experiential learning opportunities rooted in Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs). “This work is essential to shaping equitable, dynamic learning environments where every student can see themselves as a scientist, engineer, or innovator.”
Making Lessons Accessible and Engaging
One strategy for STEM lesson acquisition is to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. This has the potential to make lessons much more engaging. “When students see their STEM learning applied to real-world issues — from environmental sustainability to local economic challenges — it becomes more than just a theoretical pursuit,” points out Teach For All. “By embedding STEM education within real-life contexts, we empower students not only as learners but as leaders who are prepared to tackle complex global and local issues and succeed in careers that demand both creativity and resilience.”
Another effective way to ensure that STEM lessons are accessible to all — including students who don’t identify as STEM-minded — is to tell engaging stories about science. As Edutopia points out: “Stories are sticky: The research shows that humans are hardwired for them, and that scaffolding information — by bundling scientific discoveries with a compelling narrative, for example — helps the brain incorporate new concepts.” The power of storytelling has other concrete benefits as well, like helping students to think about subjects holistically. “For example, if they are shown how clocks accelerated life, or how computers changed how humans think, then they can see how technology shapes culture or even changes our sense of time,” notes Edutopia.
Promoting Critical Thinking and Innovation
Creative teaching methods that bring science to life are important for all students, not just those who want to become scientists. This is because an innovative STEM education does more than just impart knowledge; it helps students develop universally applicable critical thinking as well.
As Science Mill states, “STEM isn’t just about memorizing formulas or conducting experiments. It’s about asking questions, solving puzzles, and thinking outside the box.” It is precisely this kind of perspective that graduates of Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online M.Ed. in C&I – Science program can expect to have. For the future educator who wants to foster a love of STEM, it’s the perfect choice.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online M.Ed. in C&I – Science program.