Integrating STEMM in Higher Education: a proposed curriculum development framework

Abstract

Educational systems around the world are trying to grapple with the need forexperts in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM),who have expert knowledge and combined skills for working in collaborativeteams to find solutions to local and global issues. Employers seek disciplinaryexperts as well as people who can act as connectors for groups and ideas and whoshare and communicate them effectively. Integration of the STEMM disciplineswithin teaching programmes is in its infancy, but there is recognition for providingextraordinary experiences in learning that develop collaboration and synthesis ofdivergent ways of thinking. A framework is presented for designing integratedSTEMM course work in higher education. It includes authentic, student-centered,evidence-based, inquiry, problem-based learning through situated, immersive andexperiential approaches that can support the deliberate development of skills forintegrating thinking, problem-solving and for creating humanistic solutions forlocal and global issues.