Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

STEM introduces a unique approach to teaching and learning. It focuses on individual

student's learning style and interests. STEM emphasizes technology and integrates subjects in
ways that connect disciplines and relate them to each other. It moves beyond simple test
performances and focuses on developing higher order thinking skills by connecting classroom
learning to the real world. STEM emphasizes collaboration, communication, research, problem
solving, critical thinking and creativity. These skills are needed to be successful in today's world
regardless of specific interest and career goals. It directly responds to the realization that our world
will be built in our capacity for innovation, invention and creative problem solving.
In the Philippine Education STEM is offered by specialized high schools, whether public
or private, supervised by the Department of Education. Currently, there are 110 high schools
offering the STEM program, the majority being public. It was piloted in 1994 by the Department
of Science & Technology (DOST). On the other hand, according to National Science Foundation,
children benefit from learning STEM subjects. The Community for Advancing Discovery
Research in Education (CADRE) also recognizes and highlights the advantages of STEM in early
childhood education. Quality early STEM experiences provide a critical foundation for learning
about these disciplines in ways that facilitate later learning and that are called for by the Common
Core State Standards for Mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards, and International
Standards for Technology in Education. Early childhood educators have a unique opportunity to
benefit all students by bringing the STEM disciplines into greater balance with literacy, reducing
early inequities in access and opportunity to learn STEM, and developing skills and understandings
that students can build on as they progress through school and into the civic life and workforce.
Therefore, STEM subjects should be given greater emphasis in the Philippine Education System
not only in senior high school but should start from early childhood education onwards.

Action Plan
Teachers should be well-equipped to teach STEM to ensure its effectiveness and achieve its
general objective in developing the skills that students need to be successful in life.
1. Participate in conferences and undergo teachers training workshops on STEM.
Example of a conference conducted this year is "2019 National Research Conference in
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Education with the theme
Advancing STEM Education" conducted by the Association of Science and Mathematics
Coaches (ASMAC) of the Philippines Inc. last April 30 to May 2, 2019 at Tagbilaran City,
Bohol.
The conference aims to:
a) provide an avenue for teacher- and student-researchers to present the findings of
their study,
b) inform them of updates in STEM Education, and
c) establish collaboration between STEM researchers.
 Example of a training workshop was held by the Department of Education and initiated
by STEM Education Hub last October 17, 2018 in Bataan about robotics.
In teachers training workshops the following can also be achieved and can be implemented
in teaching.
a) Teachers are introduced to reflective journaling and maintain reflective journals
throughout the training workshop.
b) Teachers venture outdoors to observe patterns and shapes, nature and man-made
objects and focus on the connection of structure and function.
c) Teachers make inquiry-based investigation in different concepts such as structure
and function, math and architecture, boat engineering, material science, ramp
science, reverse engineering, and sound engineering. Teachers are taught on how
these concepts can be integrated in learning activities in all subject matters.
d) Teachers are introduced to different materials that can be used in teaching STEM.
As well as the materials that can put in their classroom corners where students have
access to them during their activities or free time.
e) Teachers are taught in making lesson plans that integrates STEM to all subject
matters.

2. Use a cross-disciplinary approach in and across the four STEM disciplines in teaching.
3. Create a shared vision and culture of trust, collaboration, and innovative thinking with
students and colleagues.
4. Develop curriculum guides and instructional programs that include integration of content,
development of skills across subjects, and extracurricular activities
5. Have a plan to align the use of resources, human capital, outside organizations, school
and outside funds toward achieving the vision for STEM education, as well as aligning
key partnerships that will contribute to a sustainable culture and the following of best
practices in STEM education.
6. Provide all students with opportunities and awareness of requirements to be highly
motivated and pursue STEM careers and college paths.
7. Provide a better teaching, learning and assessment environment in STEM education.
8. Support for principals and teachers to incorporate STEM into their whole-school
planning activities.
9. Support for schools and teachers to work together on innovative and collaborative
initiatives in STEM as part of a programme to improve the STEM learning environment
and to implement successful initiatives.
10. Provide students opportunities to showcase their outputs. Students will have a quarterly
exhibition or an Open House of their learnings and outputs from STEM. Students will be
more motivated to invent and learn a specific skill that can be showcased in the exhibition
because their works will be appreciated and acknowledged.
References
BBHCSD Media. "STEM Education Overview." YouTube, 16 April 2014,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GWhwUN9iaY.

Edukasyon. "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM Strand". Retrived from
https://www.edukasyon.ph/courses/senior-high-tracks/academic/stem-science-technology-
engineering-and-mathematics-strand

Cadre. (2018)."Consideration for STEM Education from PREK Through Grade 3".Community
for Advancing Discovery Research in Education. Retrived from
http://cadrek12.org/sites/default/files/DRK12-Early-STEM-Learning-Brief.pdf