Article abstract

Journal of Educational Research and Reviews
Research Article | Published May 2024 | Volume 12, Issue 5, pp. 87-97.
 doi: https://doi.org/10.33495/jerr_v12i5.24.104

 

Professional Development of In-Service Teachers in Stem Education

 

 

Michal Nachshon1*

Amira Rom2


 Email Author

Tel: +972-506282451.

1. Development and Research in STEM Education, Oranim, College of Education, Israel.

2. Education & Psychology department, the Open University of Israel.

 

……..…....….....…………............……………..........…..……….........................……………………...............……………………………….....………………...
 Citation: Nachshon M, Rom A (2024). Professional Development of In-Service Teachers in Stem Education. J. Edu. Res. Rev. 12(5):87-97. doi: 10.33495/jerr_v12i5.24.104.
……..…....….....…………............……………..........…..……….........................……………………...............……………………………….....………………...

 

 

 Abstract 

 

Professional development of in-service teachers within the context of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, explored interdisciplinary principles and the integration of advanced technology, particularly 3D printers, into STEM teaching. Emphasizing the necessity of nurturing integrative thinking in educators also arises the importance of STEM education in addressing complex global challenges and fostering essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. The aim of this study was to identify how are interdisciplinary principles of STEM education expressed in a study unit developed by elementary school teachers and how graduate students who study towards a degree in science education perceive the integration of a 3D printer in STEM education. Through a qualitative research paradigm, the study analyzes data collected from 30 elementary school teachers, who participated in a two-year educational program, focused on developing interdisciplinary study units. Findings revealed teachers' positive attitudes towards interdisciplinary learning, with challenges primarily centered on classroom management and pedagogical integration. Additionally, the integration of 3D printers and art into STEM education (STEAM) was investigated among 28 graduate students training to be elementary school teachers, highlighting benefits of experiential learning with advanced technology in enhancing students' abilities and skills. The study concludes by advocating for the widespread inclusion of 3D printers in high school curricula to provide students with practical experiences and foster innovation. It recommends further research to explore high school teachers' perspectives on STEM education, thereby enriching understanding and facilitating the effective implementation of STEM approaches across educational levels..

 

Keywords  Elementary school teachers   STEM education   3D printer 

 

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

References 


Awad N, and Barak M (2018). Pre-service Science Teachers Learn a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-Oriented Program: The Case of Sound, Waves and Communication Systems. Eur. J. Math. Sci. Technol. Edu. 14(4):1431-1451.

Creswell JW, Hanson WE, Clark Plano VL, and Morales A (2007). Qualitative research designs: Selection and implementation. The Counseling Psychologist. 35(2):236-264.

Garneli V, Giannakos MN and Chorianopoulos K (2015). Computing education in K-12 schools: A review of the literature. IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), Tallinn, Estonia.

Hamilton L, and Corbett-Whittier C (2012). Using Case Study in Education Research. Sage.

Helmane I, Briska I (2017). What is Developing Integrated or Interdisciplinary or Multidisciplinary or Transdisciplinary Education in School? Signum Temporis, 9(1):7-15. doi:10.1515/sigtem-2017-0010.

Jantassova D, Churchill D, Shebalina O, Akhmetova D (2022). Capacity building for engineering training and technology via STEAM education. Educ. Sci., 12(11):737. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci1211 0737.

Kidron A (2019). Interdisciplinary learning activity in the education system. Literature review for the Office of the Chief Scientists and the pedagogical secretary. Ministry of Education. https://meyda.education.gov.il/files/LishcatMadaan/InterdisciplinaryLearningBooklet.pdf.

King D, English LD (2016). Engineering design in the primary school: applying stem concepts to build an optical instrument. Int. J. Sci. Edu. 38(18):2762-2794. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2016.1262567.

Patton MQ (2002). Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods (3rd edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Pramesti ACA, Ridha AA, Oktaberliana DW, Harjunowibowo D (2022). Can STEAM-Based Learning Improve the Skills of 21st Century Student Post Pandemic? Specialusis Ugdymas, 1(43):8602-8614. ‏

Quigley C, Herro D, Shekell C, Cian H, Jacques L (2019). Connected Learning in STEAM Classrooms: Opportunities for engaging youth in science and math classrooms. Int. J. Sci. Math. Edu., 18(8):1441–1463. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-019-10034-z.

Reinking A, Martin B (2019). Five ways to integrate STEM. New Teacher Advocate 26(3): 22-23.

Reynders G, Lantz J, Ruder SM, Stanford SM, Cole RS (2020). Rubrics to assess critical thinking and information processing in undergraduate STEM courses. Int. J. STEM Edu. 7(9):1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00208-5.

Samara V, Kotsis KT (2023). Primary school teachers’ perceptions of using STEM in the classroom attitudes, obstacles, and suggestions: A literature review. Contemp. Math. Sci. Edu., 4(2):1-6, ep23018. https://doi.org/10.30935/conmaths/13298.

Shakedi A (2012). The meaning behind the words: methodologies in qualitative research - in practice: The Meaning behind the Words: Methodologies of Qualitative Research. Ramot Publishing - Tel Aviv University.

Vasquez JA, Comer M, Sneider C (2013). Integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Foreword by Rodger W Bybee. ISBN 978-0-325-04358-6 / 0-325-04358-2 / SKU E04358. 192pp / Paperback.

Young JC, Searle KR, Butler A, Simmons P, Watt AD, Jordan A (2016). The role of trust in the resolution of conservation conflicts. Biol. Conserv. 195:196-202.

Weld J (2017). Creating a STEM culture for teaching and learning. Arlington, Virginia: NSTA.

Weyer M, and Dell'Erba M (2022). Research and Policy Implications of STEAM Education for Young Students. Education Commission of the States. https://www.ecs.org/wp-content/uploads/Research-and-Policy-Implications-of-STEAM-Education-for-Young-Students.pdf.

Xue H (2022). A new integrated teaching mode for labor education course based on STEAM education. Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., 17(2):128-142.