Preparing Preservice Teachers to Teach STEM: Various Approaches to Integration

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: STEM and Preservice Teaching (Table 33)

Abstract

National policies and curriculum documents call for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) integration into K-12 classrooms and teacher education. Studies have shown that designing STEM activities for PSTs is important; unfortunately, the implementation of such activities may not be uniform or effective. To understand more about various approaches to STEM integration, finding commonalities may support development of STEM integration in teaching methods courses. Thus, understanding how methods courses intend to prepare future teachers to implement integrated STEM activities is important. Findings from this study indicated that STEM teacher educators have various approaches to the levels of STEM integration within teaching methods courses. However, the commonalities of pedagogical techniques were consistent across STEM syllabi and as expressed through participants’ interviews.

Authors

• Jenifer Hummer, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

• Rebecca Sue Borowski, Western Washington University

• Byungeun Pak, Utah Tech University

• Derek J. Sturgill, University of Wisconsin - Stout