1. STEM Education Why the need for reform?

2. Elements of STEM Reform Teachers should integrate Science, Engineering and Math through the use of technology STEM subjects should be integrated with Fine Arts, Language Arts and Social Studies Integration is best accomplished through Problem Based Learning Classrooms should be student centered and learning should be research based

3. Support for STEM Education Reform In an increasingly competitive world the United States is falling behind other industrialized nation in the production of STEM workers. In order to increase the number of students in STEM traditionally underrepresented groups need more access to STEM education. Research has shown that student centered, inquiry- based classrooms are more successful than the traditional transmissive style of instruction. An inquiry based student directed classroom promotes problem solving and critical thinking skills. Social interaction will create more interest in STEM subjects from traditionally underrepresented groups.

4. Why is STEM Education Needed? Image courtesy of US Department of Education

5. Why is STEM Education Needed? STEM Jobs are expected to continue to increase Only 16% of High school students are proficient in math and are interested in STEM careers. There will not be enough qualified graduates to fill these positions. U.S. Department of Education

6. Recruitment of Students “If America hopes to effectively address the “STEM pipeline” problem, we must find ways of developing young learners’ interest in STEM education and must sustain that interest throughout their remaining school years. Therein lies the real potential and promise of integrative STEM Education” (Sanders Pg. 22). Increase interest in STEM by using collaborative approach Group work allows for incorporation of cultural backgrounds Social interaction promotes increased engagement

7. Constructivism is a More Effective Way to Learn Learning is a constructive, not a receptive, process Motivation and beliefs are integral to cognition Social interaction is fundamental to cognitive development; knowledge, strategies, and expertise are contextual (Bruning 2004)

8. Works Cited Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Education for Global Leadership. ED.gov. Web. 20 June 2013. http://www.ed.gov/stem Bruning, R. H., Schraw, J. G., Norby, M. M., & Ronning, R. R. (2004). Cognitive psychology and instruction.Columbus, OH: Pearson. Sanders Mark. STEM, STEM Education, STEM Mania. The Technology Teacher, December/January 2009. Web. 19 June 2013. http://esdstem.pbworks.com/f/TTT+STEM+Arti cle_1.pdf