STEM Education Importance For Children - Study In India Program
Study in India Program | Image Resource : livemint.com
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education prepares children for the future. It teaches them to think critically and develop collaborative and problem-solving skills. The students do not have to memorise any formulas or scientific theories.
It allows students to conduct scientific experiments, build robots, design eco-friendly houses and more. The children get to be active participants rather than passive learners. It helps to foster creativity among the students and prepares them for a rapidly changing world. One of the main benefits of STEM education is that it helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Benefits of STEM education
● STEM education helps children connect to different fields and get a deeper understanding of concepts. For example, while learning about the life cycle of a plant, children can analyse growth patterns, create simulations and design models to optimise the plant growth conditions. This approach helps the students to learn easily and improves their academic performance.
● Children are exposed to challenges through experiments, hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises, which improve their reasoning abilities and critical thinking. While designing a model bridge or building circuits, the children learn to analyse the problem and apply scientific knowledge. This also helps to strengthen their cognitive and decision-making skills.
● When children are exposed to STEM education at an early stage, they can build a strong foundation. They develop interests which can help them make future career choices. Some of the career options available are biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Challenges faced in implementing STEM education
Implementing STEM education in India presents several challenges:
● Many schools find it difficult to implement a curriculum that aligns with the rapidly changing demands of the STEM field. They need to build an up-to-date curriculum which offers theoretical and practical education.
● Many schools lack adequate laboratory facilities, equipment and technological tools which are required for learning. Limited access to internet connectivity, computers and digital resources can hinder the integration of technology into STEM education.
● The success of STEM education depends on the teacher’s expertise and abilities. There is a shortage of well-trained and qualified STEM teachers in India. Many teachers lack the training and are not exposed to innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge technologies.
● Children belonging to underprivileged families do not get access to quality STEM education due to limited financial resources.
India is now a hub for higher education and the Study in india program allows students to register and apply online for courses.