STEM education in early primary years: Teachers’ views and confidence

Abstract

Pre-school and first years of primary school provide the basis for future learning in STEM, and teachers’ views-confidence are important for effective classroom practices. This study investigated teachers’ views and confidence in implementing STEM education in early primary years. The participants were 140 Greek teachers who completed an online 35-item questionnaire. Teachers expressed positive-strong perceptions and confidence in implementing STEM education in early primary years. Over 80% of the sample expressed agreement in that they feel comfortable-confident when they facilitate inquiry-based learning activities within mathematics or science topics. The practical obstacles of resources-material and time to explore STEM topics and implement learning activities were reported. The findings have implications for educational policy and practice.

Awareness and Confidence of Vietnamese Primary School Teachers towards STEM-Integrated Teaching Approach

“…According to Nadelson et al (2009), elementary school teachers are limited in their knowledge, effectiveness, and confidence when teaching STEM content because they are only required to complete minimal individual science and math courses. Meanwhile, teachers' confidence is an important factor determining the effectiveness of integrated STEM teaching (Nikolopoulou & Tsimperidis, 2023). Focusing on and enhancing professional development through training sessions (English, 2016;Marginson et al, 2013) can fully equip teachers with knowledge and skills in organising STEM teaching and assessment (Guzey et al, 2014).…”

“…However, compared to secondary education, primary schools have not received much attention in teaching STEM (Lam, 2021). Nonetheless, the introduction STEM education into primary schools is a necessity (Keane, 2022) because children at this age are naturally curious, creative and cooperative, which are essential elements for integrated learning (Banko, 2013;Fridberg, 2022;Nikolopoulou & Tsimperidis, 2023). It was not until 2022 that the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam issued an official document implementing pilot STEM education at the elementary level and it is expected that by 2024 there will be a new official document directing implementation for primary school level nationwide (Ministry of Education and Training, 2022).…”

“…Besides awareness, teachers' confidence in STEM teaching is also an important factor in predicting the ability and effectiveness of integrated STEM teaching (Lam, 2021;Nikolopoulou & Tsimperidis, 2023). Teachers' confidence affects their behaviour, and confidence and behaviours will shape attitudes and impact the teacher's teaching effectiveness (Voet & De Wever, 2016).…”

Digital and Physical Interactive Learning Environments: Early Childhood Mathematics Teachers’ Beliefs about Technology through Reflective Writing

“…Researchers have highlighted the importance of exploring STEAM subjects during the early childhood years to provide children with a foundation for future learning and to predict later academic achievements [3][4][5][6][7]. In STEAM education, early mathematics is a rich field that utilizes learning environments enriched with activities and thrilling resources.…”