STEM Learning Vs. Traditional Models of Education

There is often a debate about whether traditional learning is better or whether the recent STEM approach adopted by schools’ wins! If we reminisce our old days, it would give us nightmares of how much homework there was to complete, and the heavy bag full of books that we had to carry, causing us a huge burden. In recent times, the internet has taken over the world by storm and a study mostly happens by researching the web. STEM classrooms are vibrant, they are visually appealing and emphasis is given to practical lessons rather than theoretical learning. Let’s delve deeper into this topic and find the commonalities between these two models. 

Traditional Classroom Approach

In the old-school education system, the teacher would take responsibility for completing the topics scheduled for the day and treat the textbook as a bible! This approach was more one-sided and students rarely got the opportunity to participate in the teaching-learning process. Even the methodology was limited to chalk & board, where there was too little scope for creativity. The process was more teacher-centric where the teacher leads the class by giving instructions and conducts activities as per her level of comfort & understanding, without giving much thought to the learners.

In traditional classrooms, the chalk & board is a mighty tool that delivers lessons to students. The explanation of concepts is limited to the educator’s ability to articulate the points on board and the capacity to draw diagrams to explain a concept.

The grading method in the old system across the GCC region was completely biased towards the student’s ability to perform well in exams. The main focus was to get good marks in exams with much emphasis on theory, to produce the exact same textbookish knowledge on their exam paper. Merely recitation of the content doesn’t give much opportunity for students to interact with others and apply their skills to hands-on project work. It also robs students of the chance of enhancing their communication skills and confidence-building abilities. 

Modern Classroom Approach

In recent times most schools in advanced regions such as Dubai in the Middle East, take advantage of modern teaching techniques to help students reach their full potential. The classroom set-up is livelier and students feel included. Our modern progressive education system is child-centric, such that one can learn at their own pace and use fun tools through their journey of learning. EdTech advent and game-based learning is taking over old approaches.

Modern classrooms in the UAE are staked with LEGO® Education toys and other such resourceful teaching aids, thereby creating excitement for the learners. These toys are in sync with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) curriculum so that our little ones can develop important skills, without being burdened to rote learn from textbooks.

Technology enables educators to conduct classes virtually without the need for students to be present physically at school. The flexibility of studying anytime & anywhere is a huge plus point, which is lacking in the traditional education system. Children can also make use of audio-visual teaching aids to grasp rather difficult concepts for speedy learning.

Game-based activities use the power of gamification to enhance the learning outcome. It teaches pedagogy by introducing kids to various challenging activities and even assessments are conducted via the app. Students feel instant gratification as they collect coins as a reward for their hard work. Besides the regular pen & paper exam, schools encourage students to earn marks by participating in extra-curricular activities and showcase their strengths during internal assessment projects. Group work fosters connections, gives the opportunity to build time management, and enhances leadership capacities.

The education system has indeed seen a drastic change from a teacher-centric approach to a student-centric approach. Modern education builds personality and is not limited to merely imparting subject knowledge. Problem-solving approach and practical life skills are the pillars on which the education system rests. Overall, children of today are now being prepared to face the challenges of the modern era.