Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM) are slowly being recognized as a vital part of education. Thus, the role of STEM education in the National Education Policy 2020 is very important. The need of the hour is to understand why this is so and how we can work on it in conjunction with the changing times.
Why is STEM education important?
The STEM approach has certain aims. Earlier, these four subjects were mostly taught in isolation. Thus, there was the issue of integrating it into the curriculum, Moreover, without this integrated approach, there were also issues with hiring qualified candidates for high-tech jobs.
STEM education has emerged as a common term with reference to shortage of skilled workers and inadequate education in these fields.
STEM education uses new technologies to enhance STEM skills. This also encourages an interest in STEM fields. There are various methods to do this.
Develop a pool of talent by encouraging early learning in science and mathematics.
Strengthen teachers’ skills by providing additional training
Enlarge the scope for students to graduate with STEM skills, equipped with STEM skills.
STEM Education in the National Education Policy
Under the NEP 2020, it will be easy to integrate STEM learning and approach in the updated curricula. The pool of scientists, engineers, and mathematics will be strengthened a great deal if STEM education is introduced in stages at various levels. Some of the measures suggested by the new structure are as follows.
- The new policy seeks to encourage experiential learning. Learning objectives, and not rote learning, will be the focus in the future.
- Core essentials will become the focus. Emphasis will be on key concepts, ideas, applications and problem-solving. Critical thinking and holistic, inquiry-based, discovery-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based learning will be the focus of NEP 2020.
- Experiential learning and hands-on learning will play a big part in STEM education.
- Introduction of subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Design Thinking will be important for STEM.
- An emphasis on Math, computational thinking, machine learning (ML), and data science will now begin at the foundational stage (at age 6).
- Students will start learning coding at age 11.
Thus, the NEP has a focus on a multidisciplinary approach. This will enhance conceptual understanding and foster skills such as critical thinking, hands-on training, and creativity. These are all important for STEM education.
The future of STEM learning
STEM learning is integral to every child’s development. With the digital influence in every person’s life, children’s exposure to technology is more than ever now. In a way, they have constant exposure to STEM in their daily lives. Thus, it is important to educate them about the same.
One is more receptive to and capable of learning at a younger age. That is why it is important to inculcate STEM learning from an early age, along with discipline, etiquettes, and social skills.
