A Guide for Practitioners to Foster Innovation and Collaboration
Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo
In the fast-paced world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, practitioners face the challenge of keeping up with the rapidly evolving landscape. One key aspect of this challenge is crafting a definition of STEM education that resonates with their organization’s mission, values and goals. Below, are further insights to help equip STEM practitioners with strategies for creating their own definition of STEM education — not to be confused linguistically with STEM subjects or the acronym.
Strategy 1: Adopting an Existing Definition
One approach to defining STEM education is to adopt a definition that already exists. Numerous organizations and experts have proposed their interpretations of what STEM education entails. By selecting an existing definition that aligns with your organization’s vision, you can save time and effort, and build upon established ideas. Be sure to give credit to the original source and consider how the chosen definition fits within your specific context.
Strategy 2: Crafting a Definition from Scratch
Another approach is to create a unique definition that captures your organization’s distinct perspective on STEM education. This strategy involves considering the key components, principles, and goals that embody your organization’s STEM education philosophy. To create a comprehensive definition, consider the following questions:
- What are the essential elements of STEM education for your organization?
- How do you envision the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in your educational programs?
- What learning outcomes do you aim to achieve through your STEM education initiatives?