STEM learning offers unique rewards, despite challenges
Among the survey’s top-line findings:
Responding teachers agreed that within their schools, STEM education is perceived as a “valuable contribution to our education mission” (74 percent) and a “doorway to tomorrow’s opportunity for a diverse student cadre” (53 percent). However, while these front-line educators feel “respected by students” (60 percent) and “energized by students’ enthusiasm for STEM” (60 percent), significant numbers of teachers also report being “underpaid” (41 percent) or “burned out” (26 percent).
“The State of STEM Education” validated that STEM teacher shortages are no myth. More than two-thirds of educators (65 percent) said that their school is experiencing a shortage of STEM faculty, with 13 percent indicating that it’s a severe issue. Probing the challenges of teaching STEM classes today versus other subjects, the majority of respondents (59 percent) reported that, “STEM education is challenging – but it also offers unique rewards in terms of encouraging student curiosity and motivation.” At the same time, fewer than 8 percent felt that remote learning took a heavier toll on STEM education than on other disciplines.
“Through our work on Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung has seen just how critical STEM Teachers are to ensuring the future of STEM education – and a vibrant STEM workforce,” said Ann Woo, Director of Corporate Citizenship for Samsung North America. “Society at large needs to listen to and understand the concerns of these dedicated educators – innovation and progress depend on the fruits of their hard work. We hope the insights from ‘The State of STEM Education’ will contribute to making sure our communities continue to provide what STEM educators need to thrive.”
The survey took a deep dive into the use of PBL – a technique adapted by many in the field as a tool for engaging students with approaches used in STEM workplaces. Educators expressed wide support for PBL with 44 percent saying that PBL has been broadly effective in engaging their classes and sparking interest in STEM careers. Another 44 percent stated that they believe PBL is a great equalizer, helping students who have had a hard time in STEM classes ‘get it,’ while also letting STEM naturals stretch their wings.
Speaking to the value of participating in Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, educators shared perspectives including:
- “We will be incorporating more opportunities for PBL with all our students at all levels. It is empowering to see their curiosity grow and their critical thinking skills develop. This is especially true of the students who previously may have been disinterested in science and STEM careers. To see students be successful and excited for science encourages our faculty to seek and create more opportunities for them to reach and exceed their dreams.”
- “It seems with every year since the pandemic has introduced new challenges. PBL has given the majority of my students a purpose for learning and for being here. They know they can just learn from home and be with their friends online but PBL offers a tangible learning situation. It feels “real” to them.”
These results strongly validate key objectives or the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition and other similar STEM education initiatives – to encourage diverse, innovative, and creative minds to pursue STEM careers, and to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM professions.
Related:
5 ways to make way for science in an ELA and math world
Building pathways to successful STEM careers for ALL learners
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
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