Module
05
Affect and STEM Teaching and Learning
4+ hrs
Module 5 effectively leads on from the previous module [Transitions and STEM Learning and Teaching] and introduces the important concept of 'affect' and its impact upon learning and teaching, and STEM educational contexts.
While data are currently limited, we do know that the dispositions principals and their teachers maintain, in relation to STEM learning, have an impact upon the culture of the school towards STEM. In this module, principals will consider the impact of their beliefs and dispositions in fostering a whole of school STEM initiative, as well as the ways in which their teachers’ beliefs can help promote students’ STEM capabilities.
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
- Principals’ dispositions and beliefs for fostering a whole school STEM initiative.
- Teachers’ dispositions and promoting students’ STEM capabilities.
- Students’ dispositions towards STEM subjects and the role of student affect in maintaining participation in STEM.
- The contribution of ‘growth mindsets’ in STEM initiatives.
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.
You must read relevant documents as you progress through the module in order to understand their key points, before going 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.
PARTICIPANT PRE-READING
Participants are encouraged to download and read the following PASL resources prior to undertaking the module:
- PASL STEM Capability Sets (first introduced in PASL Core Module 2).
- The D-STEM instrument (Hatisaru, Fraser, & Beswick, 2020).
OFFLINE LEARNING
Download the entire module materials 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 suite of professional learning materials.
EMBRACING A GROWTH MINDSET IN STEM
These key messages from mathematics are also relevant to STEM more broadly. Check out the following messages, which can be incorporated into classroom practices:
- Youcubed®
- HighTechHigh article Growth mindset in STEM (2020).
DOWNLOAD MODULE MATERIALS
Has any of the content showcased piqued your interest?
Click the tile below to get access to the complete materials related to this module (Program 3 - Module 5).
What next?
Here are a few questions for you to consider:
- How does thinking about dispositions assist your thinking about leading STEM education in your school?
- What do you need to know about the dispositions of your teachers, your students and your community?
- How will you find out?
Continue your professional learning
- Go to the next Module
- Read about the PASL Desktop Audit
- Explore the other PASL programs (Program 1 or Program 2)
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
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