The effect of using STEM education on students mathematics achievement

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has emerged as a powerful tool for boosting students' mathematics achievement. By integrating these disciplines, students are equipped with essential skills for the 21st-century workforce and can develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Through hands-on experiments, problem-solving activities, and real-life applications, STEM education offers a dynamic approach to learning mathematics. This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the impact of STEM education on mathematics achievement among 8th-grade students. Although the study lacked the full randomization typically seen in experimental designs, it meticulously designed and validated its measurement tool for assessing mathematics achievement. The pre-and posttests administered to both the experimental and control groups provided valuable data for evaluating the effectiveness of the STEM education intervention. The statistically significant difference in mathematics achievement between the two groups, with a significance level of ≤ 0.05, strongly suggests that the STEM education program had a positive and meaningful impact on the experimental group's math skills. As a result, the study offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of integrating STEM education into the curriculum for middle school students. Students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate with their peers, and utilize their creativity to solve complex problems. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a deeper engagement with the subject and ignites a passion for learning.