Over the past few years, I've been saddened by my students' changing attitudes and abilities. They ask 'Will it be on the test?" when new topics are introduced. They want to know, step-by-step, how to complete any given task or project. They seem unable or unwilling to figure things out themselves.
It's this change in thinking that has me the most concerned. As adults, we know that kids need to learn to solve problems, become creative thinkers, take an interest in order to be successful.
Without going in to what ails the education system, I believe that the remedy is engaging students with hands-on, authentic, experiential learning.
STEAM education, with its emphasis on this type of learning, is the key. Watch my video for more information.
It's this change in thinking that has me the most concerned. As adults, we know that kids need to learn to solve problems, become creative thinkers, take an interest in order to be successful.
Without going in to what ails the education system, I believe that the remedy is engaging students with hands-on, authentic, experiential learning.
STEAM education, with its emphasis on this type of learning, is the key. Watch my video for more information.
I use STEM and STEAM interchangeably. Dan Pink in A Whole New Mind makes a great argument for the arts and design aspect of STEAM when he discusses the toilet brush challenge. In a world where there are numerous toilet brushes available for purchase in any given store what will distinguish one from another? Not the function, they all clean a toilet. It is the design that will lead consumers to choose one over the other.
The Art/Design aspect also includes the creativity necessary to solve problems in new ways and the drive towards innovation.
I imagine many proponents of STEM would include the arts/design piece of the puzzle if they stop to consider all of the factors.
The Art/Design aspect also includes the creativity necessary to solve problems in new ways and the drive towards innovation.
I imagine many proponents of STEM would include the arts/design piece of the puzzle if they stop to consider all of the factors.