Today's students are coming of age in a world vastly distinct from the one their educators experienced during their own formative years.
Consequently, the challenge arises: how can educators effectively connect with students navigating an entirely new reality?
Whether you’re new to a STEM classroom or have been teaching in a STEM environment for a while, you may be seeking some tips and strategies to make your work easier and more effective.
Don't worry; we've got you covered. Our compiled list reflects suggestions rooted in research and will guide those new to STEM and best practices for seasoned practitioners.
Effective teaching is a combination of pedagogical strategies and adaptive methods that can be applied to each individual classroom.
While each classroom's methodology and dynamic is unique, some foundational elements align with effective teaching that is especially helpful in STEM classrooms.
Effective teaching results in pedagogical expertise, adaptability, and a deep commitment to students' growth and success.
It focuses on creating an environment where learning is engaging, meaningful, and supportive, with the ultimate goal of enabling students to reach their full potential.
STEM in the classroom is an effective way of helping students master subject standards.
In STEM classrooms, students rely on well-rounded knowledge to help students succeed academically and in a way that can elevate their sense of belonging in the world they are a part of.
In science and math classrooms, students must use a variety of academic skills to understand and put together concepts and problem-solve complex topics so that they can learn.
STEM classrooms often rely on hands-on or project-based learning to better understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Many strategies can be used for effective teaching in STEM classrooms.
Effective teaching in STEM involves an interactive, inquiry-based, and hands-on approach that connects theoretical knowledge to practical applications, fosters critical thinking and creativity, and prepares students academically and in the real world.
It also considers the evolving nature of STEM fields and the need for ongoing learning and adaptability.
To help students succeed in STEM, educators should create an enriched learning environment where students can interact with content practically and organically.
Effective teaching in STEM fields shares many principles with practical teaching in general but also has specific characteristics that are particularly relevant to these disciplines.
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EDP’s five stages: Ask — Identify a problem and ask questions and research information to better understand how to solve it or the approach needed to solve it. Imagine — Imagine the technology that would solve the problem. Plan — Establish a plan to create your technology. Create — Create technology and see how it measures up in solving the problem. Evaluate & Improve — Collect and analyze data to see if the solution works. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses. Make any adjustments and test again. |
A STEM classroom should be welcoming, inquisitive, and professional.
It should allow students a place to be creative, collaborative, focused, and always ready to learn. Students should never be bored in the STEM classroom, and they should always have reinforcement and structure to their daily learning.
Educators who can create a consistent routine are better equipped to teach a classroom that is filled with diverse learners. STEM classrooms should be creative and adaptable, just like STEM.
Interested in learning more? See how STEM learning can transform your classroom. Reach out and learn more!
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