Developing Teachers' Capacities in STEAM Teaching

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Professional Learning

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of professional development aimed to develop teachers’ capacities in STEAM teaching and the impacts of such teaching, and identifies middle school leadership practices effective in supporting such teaching in schools. Data from interviews with middle school principals and teachers in one district point to the importance of on-going hands-on professional development, effective professional learning teams, and distributed leadership for the effective implementation of such teaching. STEAM teaching enhanced students’ engagement with and enjoyment of learning and helped teachers to think creatively and practice interdisciplinary teaching. However, on-going PD is needed and school and district leadership and supports are essential to sustain the momentum.

Authors

• Jingping Sun, The University of Alabama

• Brenda Jane Mendiola, The University of Alabama

• Richard Rice, University of Alabama

• Sijia Zhang, The University of Alabama