Module 5: Environmental STEM

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What type of learning does Vygotsky’s theory emphasize in the context of this intervention?

Rote memorization of facts

Individualistic learning

Independent study practices

Collaborative interaction among individuals (correct)

What instructional approach was used to facilitate the project?

Experiential learning

Traditional lecturing

Project-based learning (correct)

Self-directed learning

What is considered essential for integrated STEM education according to Kelley and Knowles?

Meaningful interdependence among all STEM disciplines (correct)

Applying solely mathematical concepts

Focus on individual disciplines only

Emphasizing technological discipline exclusively

Which aspect does the intervention specifically intend to address through its activities?

Scientific concepts related to the task Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of STEM practices as proposed by Kelley and Knowles?

Literary analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary obstacle to integrated STEM education identified by Nadelson et al.?

Lack of teacher preparedness Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes interdisciplinary education from integrated STEM education?

Combination of only two to three STEM disciplines Signup and view all the answers

How does the study define environmental education?

An umbrella term related to sustainable development Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for STEM educational experiences to be situated within an authentic context?

To highlight the meaningful interdependence of STEM disciplines Signup and view all the answers

What does the study imply about variations in conceptualizations of STEM?

Participants' conceptions are not deemed incorrect despite differences Signup and view all the answers

What approach is suggested for understanding environmental issues in education?

Embracing open-ended learning Signup and view all the answers

Which design principle focuses on evaluating real-world data to influence model designs?

Evidence-based design Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using data in the design process, according to the outlined activities?

To determine the efficacy of initial designs Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the design process that continuously incorporates feedback and previous technologies?

Iterative design process Signup and view all the answers

What technological aspect is emphasized when considering modifications in design?

Technological tools for evidence gathering Signup and view all the answers

How does the content describe the relationship between sustainability and energy consumption?

Sustainability initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption. Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted as a necessary aspect of analyzing data in design modifications?

Highlighting consumptive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of feedback in the design process as suggested in the content?

Iteration from earlier designs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of technological progress is encouraged in design according to the activities?

Building upon prior technologies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the action research conducted in this study?

To address the problem of insufficient understanding of STEM concepts among teachers. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes action research as mentioned in the study?

It combines practical change with reflective analysis to improve classroom practices. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the study propose to enhance pre-service teachers' understanding of STEM and sustainability?

By using environmental sustainability as a focus in STEM instruction. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lack of reflection on practice reinforce according to the study?

A reductionist, individual approach to education. Signup and view all the answers

Which educational issue is explicitly addressed through the E-STEM intervention?

Enhancing teachers' understanding of environmental sustainability and STEM. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 5: Inquiry into Environmental STEM

Many scholars emphasize STEM knowledge and skills for future economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
Bybee (2013) argues integrated STEM can address global environmental issues.
NAAEE advocates for Environmental STEM (E-STEM), an integrated approach to education for sustainable development.
E-STEM aims to align with effective educational practices like hands-on learning, student interest, and empowerment.
NAAEE defines E-STEM as integrating environmental education into STEM learning.
Effective E-STEM instruction relies on teachers possessing content and pedagogical expertise in STEM and environmental education.
Pre-service teachers often lack direct experience with STEM education, potentially hindering their ability to integrate it effectively in classrooms.

Theoretical and Empirical Background

Defining STEM is complex, with varying interpretations, ranging from STEM domains being independent to STEM as an overarching meta-discipline that integrates all four parts.
Teachers' perceptions of STEM can vary depending on their role and how they use STEM in their daily lives.
Kelley and Knowles (2016) suggest STEM education should be situated within an authentic context (e.g. scientific inquiry, mathematical thinking, technological literacy and engineering design).
STEM education's implementation challenges frequently arise from teachers' perception of lacking knowledge about STEM topics, resulting in lower self-efficacy for teaching STEM.

Methodology

This study was conducted using action research, a cyclical approach of making changes, analyzing their impact, and making further improvements to enhance classroom practices.
The study also aimed to validate strategies for educational innovation.
This study used a teacher-centered approach (Grundy, 1982) in which teachers are responsible for defining the research direction, taking actions in the classroom, collecting and interpreting data, and determining implications for their future actions.
The intervention was co-designed by two authors and implemented in several classrooms.
The study used multiple data sources, including pre- and post-intervention surveys, student work, and audio recordings.

Participants

Participants were undergraduate students enrolled in a general education science course at a Midwestern university in the USA.
The majority of participants (87%) were elementary education majors.
The study included a significant number of females (89%).

Context

The intervention took place within a general education science content course required for elementary education majors.
This course used a constructivist approach to learning, emphasizing scientific inquiry.

Action Description

The E-STEM intervention's foundation was based on socio-constructivist theories of learning (Vygotsky).
The intervention aimed to create a collaborative and reflective learning environment using a project-based learning instructional approach.
The study's intervention involved a 1:10 scale solar water heater model-design challenge, carried out over four class periods.
The model-building activity served to incorporate considerations of scientific inquiry and concepts using different STEM and sustainability disciplines.
Students produced individual reports by utilizing the project's scientific data and STEM concepts within an appropriate framework.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection methods included pre- and post-intervention surveys, student work, and audio recordings of in-class discussions.
Collected data underwent triangulation, providing a richer insight into student experience.
Survey data from Summers and Abd-El-Khalick (2018) was used, providing a basis to measure attitudes and intents towards STEM subjects.
The student work involved producing scientific justifications for design choices.
Audio recordings were transcribed.

Findings

Positive changes occurred in pre-service teacher perceptions of STEM and their understanding of environmental issues.
Participants' attitudes toward STEM, behavioral beliefs, and perceived behavioural control showed positive significant changes post intervention.
Knowledge about STEM and its application for environmental protection did not show significant changes.
Increased understanding of STEM concepts and applications of STEM concepts to practical tasks was found.

Discussion

The study's evidence indicated that E-STEM interventions positively impact pre-service teachers' conceptualizations of STEM and their understanding of environmental issues.
The results resembled findings of similar studies (Ring et al., 2017), showing improvements in understanding integrated STEM, and the importance of engineering and technology.
The analysis of student work revealed that most students connected the disciplines of STEM within their written reports.
Environmental aspects were reflected in students' analyses of the intervention activity.
The study uncovered some naïve conceptions related to climate change, which were present even after intervention.

Conclusion

The research indicates that E-STEM interventions can positively influence pre-service teachers' understanding of STEM and their understanding of environmental issues.
More explicit guidance on reflection regarding STEM and environmental connections would be beneficial in improving the intervention's effectiveness.
Additional research is needed to gain greater insight into the relationship between increased awareness and action towards STEM.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the critical role of Environmental STEM (E-STEM) in education, as outlined in Chapter 5. This chapter discusses the integration of STEM knowledge with environmental education to prepare students for global challenges. Understand the importance of teacher expertise in effective E-STEM instruction and the implications for pre-service teacher training.