Open AccessSTEAM-ing: Preliminary Insights in Consolidating Arts with STEM
Author(s) -
Siti Soraya Ramli,
Siti Zuraida Maaruf,
Syamsul Nor Azlan Mohamad,
Nabilah Abdullah,
Nurshamshida Md Shamsudin,
Siti Armiza Mohd Aris
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
asian journal of university education/asian journal of university education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.198
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 2600-9749
pISSN - 1823-7797
DOI - 10.24191/ajue.v18i1.17182
Subject(s) - syllabus , the arts , curriculum , creativity , mathematics education , science education , arts in education , pedagogy , psychology , visual arts , art , social psychology
Science, mathematics, technology, and engineering (STEM) have long been acknowledged as subjects that are fundamental for national progress and growth. Efforts to integrate the “arts” component in the teaching and learning of STEM subjects have begun over two decades ago through the introduction of KBSR and KBSM in the Malaysian school curriculum; however, its implementation received mixed reactions. The reason is that although “art” can and does make STEM subjects interesting and engaging, it could also distract and remove the focus away from STEM components. Realizing the importance of Arts in complementing the learning of science-based subjects in terms of creativity and collaborative focus, this study aims to uncover the views schoolteachers encounter as they try to integrate Arts in STEM teaching. Using a qualitative approach, the study involved teachers currently teaching STEM subjects in local public and private schools. Data was collected via a semi-structured interview with four experienced Science teachers. Findings revealed all Science teachers unanimously agree the integration of Visual Arts elements in STEM could ease various pedagogical challenges which include students’ thinking ability, practical knowledge, and ability in technology; constraints related to teaching aid and ensuring student understanding of “difficult” topics in the lower secondary Science syllabus.
Keywords: STEM Education, Visual Art