This classroom action research aims to investigate the development of collaborative problem-solving competencies using STEM-based learning through dietary plan lessons. The participants included 77 twelfth-grade students in the 2018 academic year in the science-technology program in a public school under the supervision of the Ministry of University Affairs. Two types of instruments were used in the study: 1) ten lesson plans of the biomolecules unit equivalent to eighteen lesson periods; 2) data collection instruments, including collaborative problem-solving competencies observation sheets, students’ learning reflections, and informal interview protocols. The data analysis involved frequencies, percentages, and content analysis. The results of the study revealed that the students improved all three competencies. Regarding the first competency, “Establishing and Maintaining Shared Understanding,” the students were accustomed to having a dominant member assigning the task while other members passively followed the orders. When they encountered a problem, each member individually solved it or asked the teachers for help without a group discussion. However, after the instruction, the students improved their communication skills by discussing the task processes with the other group members. Moreover, when a problem occurred, they approached it as a shared responsibility instead of as an individual’s duty. Therefore, the problem was collectively sorted out and successfully solved. In terms of the second competency, “Taking Appropriate Action to Solve the Problem,” the students had previously been assigned their roles by the group leaders without consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of each member, resulting in an unsuccessful task. After the instruction, everyone became more collaborative in considering the task at hand and discussed the role that best suited each member. When they encountered a problem, everyone collectively planned the appropriate steps toward the solution. With regard to the third competency, “Establishing and Maintaining Team Organization,” the students had not previously reflected on their performance, but after the activities, they learned to provide feedback to improve other members’ understanding and carry out the task more efficiently. A challenge that emerged in implementing the activities involved the time issue. It is important to manage time effectively and to challenge the students to collaboratively solve the problem. The instructional activities should be conducted continuously by rotating students into new groups where they can practice their teamwork skills with others. Moreover, the collaborative problem-solving activities are found to be applicable not only for a STEM-based approach but also for a project-based approach.

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The purposes of this research were to develop Pre-service Science Teachers' (PSTs) understanding and attitude towards science by teaching management through service learning. The participants of this study were 9 volunteer PSTs who enrolled in 15-week Science and Technology Project in School course in the universities in Bangkok. This course focused on PSTs' application of knowledge about science project to solve problem via doing community service. The researcher gathered data from observation, journal entries, and artifacts in the first semester of academic year 2015. Moreover, informal interviews were used for clarification. For data analysis, the researchers analyzed data with descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings showed that most PSTs had increased understanding in doing a science project in aspects of integration to other learning disciplines, role of students, and role of advisors. Moreover, PSTs also increased their attitude towards a science project due to the construction of knowledge by themselves, development of many skills, and generation of societal benefits. These findings were considered in terms of further designing other courses activities.

This collaborative action research aimed to understand how a schoolteacher, science educator, mathematics educator, scientist, and engineer were able to work collaboratively in STEM lessons. All researchers took part in STEM activity through design-based learning in the PM 2.5 crisis for high school students in Bangkok. A content analysis approach was used to analyse how the partnership works together and how STEM integration occurred across activities, such as lesson plans, classroom participation, and reflective journal. The positions and roles of science teachers, science and mathematics educators, scientists, and engineers were addressed. Three themes emerged as critical success factors from the present research, namely students’ learning, STEM integration, and good practices in STEM partnerships. This research suggests proper advance preparation for the members of a STEM partnership.