Research-based education as a model to change the teaching and learning environment in STEM disciplines

Abstract

Research-based education as a model to change the teaching and learning environment in STEM disciplines This paper discusses the benefits and threats of promoting and reinforcing a research-based education environment to STEM undergraduate students. The paper explores the rationale for research-based education as a pedagogical driven approach, where undergraduate students learn through enquiry and discovery. Research evidence of a STEM case-study conducted in an English university is then presented, which sheds light on how this institution and STEM research active academics are fostering students' learning in a research-based education environment, the constraints they face, and the pedagogical solutions they propose to empower students' learning. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations aimed to raise the research-based education environment of STEM Faculties or Departments.

Effects of STEM Education Seminars on Teachers in the Schools of North Cyprus

“…In this study, the effects of STEM seminars on math literacy self-efficacy, mathematical thinking skills and technology level of use are investigated. STEM education has the objective to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies that will enable them to cope with the uncertainty of the knowledge society (Huet, 2017). As a result of the study, it was found that STEM seminars changed the mathematics literacy selfefficacy of the teachers positively.…”

¿Es el desarrollo de un proyecto una buena herramienta para aprender los principios fundamentales de una materia?

“…Así, se favorece el trabajo de grupos con diferentes estilos de aprendizaje, niveles de habilidades y antecedentes culturales. Los proyectos pueden incluir el diseño y desarrollo de un producto, servicio, marca, proceso, función u operación que puede ser visto o utilizado por otros, pero todos ellos de aplicación a escala real (Huet, 2018).…”

Initial Impact of an Experiment-centric Teaching Approach in Several STEM Disciplines

“…Instructors use ECP for in-class demonstrations, for cooperative group experiments, and for homework assignments. It has been noted that experiential learning connects contents to real-world applications and such learning experiences have been instrumental in improving student performance and achievement especially among minority students in both face-to-face and online settings [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. The paper will highlight the criteria used for selection of initial experiments to adapt, the modifications made, and resulting changes in the course delivery.…”

“…The mobile boards have also been utilized in other disciplines such as mechanical engineering using two experiments developed and tested in a class. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…In all cases, hands-on learning has been successfully implemented at low cost, with more engaged students and instructors, and hands-on learning implemented in courses that were traditionally only theory based. Although the development and spread of this exciting new approach to STEM education argues for broad application, the documented case for its adoption is not yet at the stage where all STEM educators can fully appreciate its merit [12][13][14][15][16][17][18].…”