Overview
I read Staking the Claim for the "T" in STEM by Todd Kelley.
This article is about government initiatives like STEM and MST and how they affect our schools. The article open by talking about the different between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education. Multidisciplinary is when people from many different disciplines come together to work on different pieces of a project. For instance, students from different grades working on students council. Interdisciplinary is when you actually combine different kinds of knowledge in what you are doing. The article then goes on to talk about the MST(math, science, technology) movement and how vocational education began. It talks about how different programs market themselves in order to gain funding through grants targeted at specific types of programs.
The article then goes on to talk about the new STEM initiative (science, technology, engineering, math) and how important those areas are. It also talks about how STEM teachers will be in high demand over the next decade and teacher preparation programs need to redesign themselves to meet that need.
The article then discussed project-based learning and how it aids children’s test scores. It then discussed STEM’s role in project-based learning and how technology factors into that. The article also addresses how STEM works with No Child Left Behind, and what is being done to improve school performance.
I read Staking the Claim for the "T" in STEM by Todd Kelley.
This article is about government initiatives like STEM and MST and how they affect our schools. The article open by talking about the different between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education. Multidisciplinary is when people from many different disciplines come together to work on different pieces of a project. For instance, students from different grades working on students council. Interdisciplinary is when you actually combine different kinds of knowledge in what you are doing. The article then goes on to talk about the MST(math, science, technology) movement and how vocational education began. It talks about how different programs market themselves in order to gain funding through grants targeted at specific types of programs.
The article then goes on to talk about the new STEM initiative (science, technology, engineering, math) and how important those areas are. It also talks about how STEM teachers will be in high demand over the next decade and teacher preparation programs need to redesign themselves to meet that need.
The article then discussed project-based learning and how it aids children’s test scores. It then discussed STEM’s role in project-based learning and how technology factors into that. The article also addresses how STEM works with No Child Left Behind, and what is being done to improve school performance.
Here are a couple of great STEM links if you don't know anything about it:
Video: Entire STEM School
Relate to Course Objectives
This course has many goals and objectives. It attempts to teach us how to use technology effectively and how to utilize it in the classroom. It also educates us about digital citizenship, using technology to teach cultural awareness, how to respond to the ever changing world of the web. One of the biggest things that it teaches is to shift our thinking. Most students enter the classroom thinking that you can add technology to your lesson plan. This class teaches a shift in thinking so that you leave thinking about the world as your classroom and that the technology is your lesson plan.
This article was an extension of all of these things. STEM is a great initiative that is in part designed to provide schools with money for technology education. The article further brings awareness to the need for us to utilize technology and even suggests some ways to do that.
How does this impact my teaching?/Reflection
I currently work in an after school program that was just recently approved to receive a STEM grant. Four “specialists” were chose to head each of the areas of STEM in our school. I was chosen to be the M(math) specialist for the school. It was helpful to learn more about the intentions of the program, and how other people are making the most of their STEM money. We have spent the last few months gathering information about what the students are interested in to see what to focus on. I was even part of a trip where we took 80 students to the Boston Museum of science to look at all the different exhibits and get some ideas for lesson planning. However, this article really makes a case for using technology in each of the other 3 STEM areas in order to really teach technology. It definitely gave me some lesson plan ideas.
Relate to Course Objectives
This course has many goals and objectives. It attempts to teach us how to use technology effectively and how to utilize it in the classroom. It also educates us about digital citizenship, using technology to teach cultural awareness, how to respond to the ever changing world of the web. One of the biggest things that it teaches is to shift our thinking. Most students enter the classroom thinking that you can add technology to your lesson plan. This class teaches a shift in thinking so that you leave thinking about the world as your classroom and that the technology is your lesson plan.
This article was an extension of all of these things. STEM is a great initiative that is in part designed to provide schools with money for technology education. The article further brings awareness to the need for us to utilize technology and even suggests some ways to do that.
How does this impact my teaching?/Reflection
I currently work in an after school program that was just recently approved to receive a STEM grant. Four “specialists” were chose to head each of the areas of STEM in our school. I was chosen to be the M(math) specialist for the school. It was helpful to learn more about the intentions of the program, and how other people are making the most of their STEM money. We have spent the last few months gathering information about what the students are interested in to see what to focus on. I was even part of a trip where we took 80 students to the Boston Museum of science to look at all the different exhibits and get some ideas for lesson planning. However, this article really makes a case for using technology in each of the other 3 STEM areas in order to really teach technology. It definitely gave me some lesson plan ideas.
STEM is becoming popular enough that lots of websites and resources are emerging to help teachers who are part of STEM. PBS Teachers has launched a STEM resources site tht is actually really good!
Nice Post Ashley. The STEM sounds a lot like Alt. IV which is critical shortage areas in school....interesting. I like the idea of the after school program where students can go to get some help in areas which they struggle. And going to the Boston Museum of Science is a good idea on how to teach these areas with some fun and excitment.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea to take the students on a field trip to the museum of science. That is so wonderful to have a hands on learning experience for them and lesson plan idea gathering for you!
ReplyDelete