Core Module
02
The Nature and Importance of STEM
5 hrs
The second core module of the PASL professional learning programs looks into aspects of STEM literacy and STEM education in Australia.
You will explore and reflect on effective and integrated STEM learning environments. Module 2 is pivotal as it situates STEM in education and introduces participants to 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
- Why STEM education is important as part of the National STEM School Education Strategy.
- The nature of STEM education.
- What STEM literacy is, why it is important and how it relates to specialist discipline learning.
- The elements of effective STEM learning environments.
- The ways in which STEM can be incorporated into the Australian and state-based curricula.
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 publications prior to undertaking the module.
- National Academy of Engineering and National Research Council. (2014). STEM integration in K-12 education: Status, prospects, and an agenda for research
- Glancy, A. W., & Moore, T. J. (2013). Theoretical foundations for effective STEM learning environments
Offline learning
Download the entire module onto your device and study offline 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.
The following framework for STEM capability underpins the entire PASL project. The framework is grounded in previous research in mathematics/numeracy.
The STEM capability Set is based on five elements:
- STEM discipline and interdisciplinary knowledge and practices
- Contexts
- Dispositions
- Tools
- Critical orientation
STEM Capability Set (Geiger, Beswick, & 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).
The framework for STEM Capability introduced in this module is also available to download as an A3 table. You will find a copy of this PASL resource included in the Module 2 materials.
To preview this resource (PASL STEM Capability Sets), click here.
As you work your way through the PASL professional learning programs, keep these STEM Capabilities in mind and consider them in relation to yourself, your colleagues, your students and your school community.
ACTIVITIES PROPOSED IN THIS MODULE:
- Activity #1: Reflect on STEM Learning Environments.
- Activity #2: Discuss recommendations outlined in the National School Education Strategy.
- Activity #3: Read and reflect on the piece Challenges in improving STEM learning in Australian schools. Literature and policy review. (Timms, Moyle, Weldon and Mitchell, 2018).
- Activity #4: Reflect on effective teaching for integrated STEM learning.
- Activity #5: STEM capability in practice: considering a real-world issue.
Download Module Materials
Has any of the content showcased piqued your interest?
Click the tile below to get access to the complete suite of materials related to Core Module 2.
What next?
You may want to explore these interesting online resources
- Brookwood's 3D Design Problem Bank project
- Australia's Chief Scientist report (2014) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia's Future.
- StrongerSmarter.com.au
- Read the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority [QCAA] (2020) Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives (particularly, Mathematics as Storytelling and Seasons and Stars)
- Gapminder.org
- The Ignorance Project, which features a great TED Talk.
Continue your professional learning
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