Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) play important roles in the
development of children’s executive functions which include self-control,
sustained attention, and cognitive flexibility. Teachers need to introduce STEM
learning as early as possible. STEM aims to build early trust in children and
give them the skills they need to learn new ideas and concepts.
Director
of SEAMEO CECCEP, Prof. Vina Adriany revealed that STEM workshops could help
teachers design interesting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
lessons for children. So that children easily learn STEM. Introducing STEM must
also follow the age stage of the child’s development.
“This
workshop will teach about STEM for early childhood and basic education. STEM
can be useful when children enter the next stage of education. It is hoped that
this workshop can assist in developing STEM according to the stage of child
development and, of course, with fun activities,” said Vina in the SEAMEO
CECCEP hall room (25/11)
Professor
Gillian Kidman (School of Curriculum Teaching and Inclusive Monash University)
said the STEM learning approach integrates the four components. STEM can
produce student thinking activities that help bring out students’ critical
thinking, characterized by the ability to solve problems, make decisions,
analyze assumptions, evaluate, and investigate.
“STEM
emphasizes active learning. Teachers must stimulate children to solve problems,
think critically and focus on solutions. Teachers need to build logical and
systematic ways of thinking and sharpen critical thinking skills, “Turur
Gillman.
Dr.
Hazel Tan (Senior lecturer, school of curriculum teaching and inclusive Monash
University) stated that during class learning, provide something interesting
for children to inspire them to raise their curiosity through questions. She said
that building relationships with children is very important so that teachers
can know the characteristics of children. As a teacher, you must facilitate
children according to their stage of development.
Furthermore,
the 40 participants who attended the SEAMEO CECCEP hall were given a small
project and divided into several small groups. Each participant plays the role
of an instructor, coding, and robot. This activity provides examples for
participants to train memory, coding, and numeracy.
STEM
supports children’s learning to prepare the 21st century generation who have
the skills to (1) think critically, (2) solve problems, (3) metacognition, (4)
communicate, (5) collaborate, (6) be innovative and creative, (7) information
literacy. So that students can communicate and collaborate, both with
individuals and communities and networks.
Finally, this activity would not have been carried out smoothly without the support of various parties, including Qitep In Science, who was pleased to organize a workshop entitled “STEM for Early Childhood Education and Basic Education.”
