...$4 billion dollars is a lot of money to spend on education, right?
It is definitely important to highlight the positives of creating the next generation of a STEM-saavy population. I mean, after all, they are doing amazing things now! Therefore, our students are in for a real treat if we lay the groundwork correctly!
That is where STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics) comes in. Many people may be interested and well equipped to dive into the STEM world, but there are always outliers who have talents and interests elsewhere. And you know what? That is perfectly alright as well! It is important to keep the arts in our schools for many reasons, the most important being student interest. If we stop teaching with our students in mind, then we have long since lost them.
Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences states that there are 9 ways that one can be intelligent. Not just scientifically, technologically, mathematically, and engineer-like.
In consideration to content areas such as Social Studies, could this new way of thinking simply be a means to an end for phasing out the importance of the two? I surely hope not, as I believe that all content areas are equally important.
With that being said, I want my students in my classroom to not feel confined by what the latest and greatest is that is going on in the world today. If they want to work on coding to create an app, that is great! If they want to work on an artistic piece that signifies an important time in history, that is awesome! This can be connected to NCTCS 1d: Teachers advocate for schools and students. I want to help my students receive what is best for them!
Great post Olivia! This is a great model to use in the classroom. I think many students can benefit from different types of learning and viewing subjects. Not all students are able to learn the same way, so tapping in to their interest is so important. I dig the multiple intelligence diagram and model. The more we can encourage students in their interests and learning abilities, the more they can prosper.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Olivia! The elementary school that I work at has STEAM. There have been instances where some children who have struggled in core areas such as reading, have flourished in STEAM class because they were able to showcase one of their intelligences that may not have been apparent in the core subjects. It is very important that children are allowed to explore many areas in school in order to discover what they are good at and hopefully even find their passion.
ReplyDeleteOlivia,
ReplyDeleteSTEM/STEAM is really growing rapidly! You are right. Where does this leave social studies? How are we making the decision that social studies is not as important?
Thanks for getting me thinking!