Examining the External Collaboration Networks for STEAM Education in Secondary Schools

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Abstract

The benefits of STEAM education for developing 21st-century skills are widely recognized, but implementation has been challenging due to various reasons including insufficient resources and professional development. Schools' external collaboration networks for STEAM education could be critical for addressing these challenges. This study examines the characteristics and mechanisms driving secondary schools' external collaboration networks for STEAM education in Hong Kong. This study identified the nature of the external connections, the benefits of these external networks, and the approaches schools use to develop these networks. The findings contribute to a theoretical understanding of the role of external connections in schools’ STEAM education programs and provide insights into policies for driving a collective effort to promote STEAM education at a system level.

Authors

• Shihui Feng, University of Hong Kong

• Jiaqi Xu, University of Hong Kong

• Siyou Wu, University of Hong Kong