From STEM to STEAM

By theEditor, 2013-05-04

The United States has a considerable shortage of scientists and engineers. The Government argues that unless school and colleges ramp up to place more academic focus on the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) America will fall well behind in global competitiveness in the coming decades. All this is true.

There is also a sizeable kickback arguing that the STEM emphasis is lopsided, that it fails to take account of the Humanities, or the Arts. Hence the movement to put the Arts into STEM – to give STEAM.

The issue is, in fact, HUGE. It is profoundly important to the shaping of school curricula with the new wave of Common Core making its way into the school system.

We recommend you read this fuller examination of the case in this short blog.

External links: Recommended reading


 


Sir Kenneth Robinson speaking on Changing Education Paradigms.

A paradigm is a pattern, example or schema. Here this world renowned educator and lecturer challenges many of the assumptions that underlie modern education. He argues that the way we are going now will not produce enough of the creative, innovative graduates that the modern workforce requires. What would it take to make the change?

Watch the video and enjoy! Then watch it again, and pass it on to others.