Graduate Perspectives on the Delivery of the Senior High School – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program

Abstract

Improving the implementation of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program in the Senior High School (SHS), curriculum evaluation is essential. It is a planned process of change that leads to effectiveness of program delivery and student’s learning experience. This qualitative descriptive research analyzed the graduate perspectives on the delivery of the STEM strand in a private university in the Philippines. Graduates (n=11) who obtained academic distinctions, and currently taking STEM-related courses in autonomous universities were purposively selected. The participants were interviewed using a validated pre-structured interview using Zoom/Google Meet platform. Recorded responses were individually transcribed and returned to participants for final edit and validation. All the participants enrolled in the STEM strand because they wanted to pursue STEM-related courses in college. The research found out that the implementation of the university STEM program has its strengths and weaknesses. It was revealed that the program provides a range of learning activities and experiences for students that hone their academic and character development. The program, however, needs to offer more opportunities to improve students’ practical skills through investing in laboratory facilities and equipment. To further improve the program, the study proposes a more specialized and skill-based approach in the delivery of the STEM curriculum