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STEM: Interdisciplinary or Discreet

Department of Education, University of the People

EDUC 5282-01 - AY2024- T3

Unit 1. Written Assignment-

Dr. Bhavika Vyas

February 2024.
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Teaching STEM as an interdisciplinary subject may be motivating and stimulating for

students, contribute to critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and collaborate in creating

links with the outside world. STEM is still a contentious issue, though. The conceptual

connections that exist between the four disciplines are now widely recognized by educators, who

work diligently to impart these connections to students to the best of their abilities.

Basically, this debate revolves around the topic of whether the four STEM fields should be

taught as distinct subjects or as a unified discipline. In educational contexts, institutional

impediments may exist that hinder the use of a mixed approach. Consequently, the disciplines

are typically taught in multiple settings, with different pedagogical methodologies, and at

separate periods, even when the educators have extensive expertise about the four disciplines and

have the best of intentions. But is this the best way to engage children in STEM courses and

prepare them for the wealth of well-paying jobs that are now available in numerous organizations

that are now hiring?

The question of how best to teach the four STEM (science, technology, engineering, and

mathematics) disciplines as an integrated whole or as distinct topics has been up for dispute for a

while now. By examining the benefits and drawbacks of both strategies, this essay seeks to

further the discussion.

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Advantages of Merging STEM Disciplines:

Interdisciplinary STEM projects include project-based learning, STEAM education,

thematic units, and inquiry circles. They integrate concepts from multiple STEM disciplines,

such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, allowing students to explore real-

world problems. Merging STEM disciplines and teaching them as an interdisciplinary entity can

help students understand the interconnectedness of the four disciplines and how they relate to

real-world problems. It can also help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving

abilities creativity, and collaboration skills that are essential for success in the modern world.

For example, students might work on a sustainable model house project, create a robot with a

focus on creative design, or investigate the impact of technology on the environment. These

projects help students see the interconnectedness of STEM disciplines and their relevance to

real-world issues. Additionally, Morrison, J. (2006) puts in that interdisciplinary teaching can

help students see the relevance of STEM subjects to their lives and future careers.

Disadvantages of Merging STEM Disciplines:

The disadvantages of merging STEM disciplines include challenges in finding qualified

teachers, potential loss of depth in each subject area, and possible confusion among students. For

example, it can be difficult to find teachers who are qualified to teach all four disciplines, as they

may have specialized in one or two areas. Research has also indicated that integrating STEM

subjects can be complex and challenging, as it requires teachers to make connections across the

disciplines, and students may not always use their disciplinary knowledge in integrated contexts

(Kelley & Knowles, 2016).This can lead to a loss of depth in each subject area, as teachers may

not have enough time to cover all the necessary content. Furthermore, Loewus (2020) assert that

integrated curricula can lead to confusion among students, may overburden cognitive processes
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and pay less attention to other subjects, like mathematics, as they may struggle to understand

how the different subjects relate to each other. Therefore, while there are potential benefits to

integrating STEM disciplines, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed.

Advantages of Teaching STEM Disciplines Separately:

The National Research Council (2014) states teaching STEM disciplines separately can

offer several advantages, including a deeper understanding of each topic, a better understanding

of how each subject applies to future careers, and increased confidence in each area. For

instance, teaching mathematics separately allows middle school students to delve into concepts

like algebra, geometry, and statistics, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world

scenarios. This in-depth knowledge can be applied to future careers in fields like engineering,

technology, and sciences.

Another advantage of teaching STEM disciplines separately is the opportunity for students

to engage in hands-on, project-based learning activities tailored to each discipline. For example,

in a science class, students can conduct experiments to understand chemical reactions, while in a

technology class, they can code and design digital solutions. This approach fosters a strong

foundation in each discipline and prepares students for future careers in STEM fields.

Disadvantages of Teaching STEM Disciplines Separately:

Teaching STEM disciplines separately can lead to a lack of integration between the

different subjects, making it difficult for students to see how they relate to each other and to real-

world problems. For example, in a middle school setting, when science, technology, engineering,

and mathematics are taught in isolation, students may struggle to understand how these subjects

are interconnected. A science class focusing on environmental issues, for instance, may not

effectively integrate the mathematical and technological aspects of analyzing and addressing
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these issues. This lack of integration can hinder students' ability to apply their knowledge across

disciplines and recognize the practical relevance of their learning.

Additionally, Kelley and Knowles (2016) state that the siloed approach to teaching STEM

subjects can lead to a lack of student engagement, as they may fail to see the real-world

applications and interconnections of the individual subjects, which are essential for their future

careers and everyday lives. Therefore, while teaching STEM disciplines separately may provide

in-depth knowledge of each subject, it can limit students' ability to understand the

interdisciplinary nature of real-world challenges and the practical applications of their learning.

Conclusion

The debate on whether to merge STEM disciplines and teach them as an interdisciplinary

entity or continue teaching them separately is ongoing. Both approaches have advantages and

disadvantages, and the decision should be based on the specific needs of the students and the

goals of the educational institution. The ultimate goal of STEM education is to help students

develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to succeed in the modern world, regardless

of the approach used.

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References:

Kelley, T. R., & Knowles, J. G. (2016). A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education.

International Journal of STEM Education, 3(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-

0046-z

Loewus, L. (2020, November 19). STEM: The challenges of connecting four disciplines.

Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/stem-the-challenges-of-connecting-

four-disciplines/2014/04

Morrison, J. (2006). STEM Education Article. University of Southern California .

https://www.dornsife.usc.edu/assets/sites/1/docs/jep/STEMEducationArticle.pdf

National Research Council. 2014. STEM Integration in K-12 Education: Status, Prospects, and

an Agenda for Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

https://doi.org/10.17226/18612.