Core Module
03
Developing STEM capabilities
3h50m
Developing STEM Capabilities is the third of three core modules included in all Principals as STEM Leaders (PASL) professional learning programs.
This important module starts by situating STEM within education and then brings participants to learn about the theoretical framework that underpins the entire PASL project.
RECOGNITION OF DIVERSITY
We recognise that each person who accesses this module brings with them a diversity of understandings and experiences of STEM and STEM education (both in terms of STEM practitioner practices and leadership of STEM initiatives and/or whole school approaches).
The design of all PASL modules respects and aims to accommodate this diversity by seeking to draw from the perspectives and experiences of others working their way through the materials.
We do not aim to ‘tell you how it is’, but to provoke thought and discussion. If you are leading others through the module, it is important to listen and respond to participants’ needs and interests as appropriate.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THIS MODULE
- STEM Capability: The Capability Sets for principals, teachers, students, the community and university academics working with schools.
- What it requires to lead STEM in schools.
READINGS AND RESOURCES
You will find a selection of complementary readings recommended throughout the module. These have been chosen for their relevance to the topic and because they are freely accessible through open access.
It is important that you read relevant documents as you progress through the module in order to understand their key points, before moving on to new ideas. We encourage you to explore other identified literature when time allows. Visit the resources section to view the list of resources referred to in this module.
RECOMMENDED PRE-READING
Participants are encouraged to download and read the following article by Wade-Leeuwen, B., Vovers, J., & Silk, M., published in The Conversation in June 2018.
OFFLINE LEARNING
Download the module onto your device and study, or lead the professional development of your group, at your own pace.
MODULE CONTENT PREVIEW
Browse through some of the key concepts presented in this module.
You can download the module at any time to access the complete professional learning materials.
As you can see from the content highlights presented above, a number of slides in this module aim to enable you to consider teachers’ needs in STEM education and to think about the capabilities you need in order to support teachers to develop and enact their capabilities.
To preview this resource (PASL STEM Capability Sets), click here.
DEVELOPING A POSITIVE STEM CULTURE WITHIN A SCHOOL
Here we present the PASL STEM Capabilities, first introduced in Module 2, in the form of a 3D model (similar to a CD stacker). In this representation, we can clearly see the capabilities of each stakeholder/actor in the system to be influencing and being influenced by the other (see arrows).
Consider carefully the principal’s role in coordinating all aspects of the Capability Sets in order to develop a positive STEM culture within the school.
Cascading STEM Capability Sets (Geiger, Beswick, and Fraser, 2017).
© 2017 Australian Catholic University and University of Tasmania. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 AU
The framework is adapted from a model of numeracy for the 21st century (Goos, M., Geiger, V. & Dole, S., 2010). Used with permission. © 2010 Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA).
ACTIVITIES PROPOSED IN THIS MODULE:
- Activity #1: Share your answers to the questions you considered after completing the CO2 emissions task (Core Module 2, Activity #5)
- Activity #2: The STEM Capability Sets for principals
- Activity #3: STEAM Education: What difference does the 'A' make?
DOWNLOAD MODULE MATERIALS
Has any of the content showcased piqued your interest?
Click the tile below to get access to the complete module materials. A copy of the STEM Capability Sets framework is also included.
WHAT NEXT?
Leading the development of an effective learning environment for STEM teaching and learning takes time.
Understanding where your school is at on the continuum of STEM integration is a great first step:
- Consider the types of data you need to gather to help you determine your school’s status with STEM integration.
- Consider where you want your school to be on this continuum and what you might need to get there.
- Small steps – don’t try to do everything at once!
- Consider discussing your ideas with others to obtain valuable feedback.
Continue your professional learning
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
PASL is provided to you on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and you use it at your own risk.
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