The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics. It involves the building of the technology ecosystem of the UAE and the entire world. Schools offer STEM learning as it has a unique approach to education. It has something to offer every student as it focuses on individual learning styles and interests. These fields have been found to be the fastest-growing fields involving the use of computers.
Schools in Dubai believe that STEM courses develop children’s cognitive abilities and facilitate quick problem-solving. They believe in offering a well-rounded learning experience for all their students knowing that the emerging workforce of the next generation needs to be exceedingly tech-savvy and STEM-literate.
Transforming a classroom into a STEM-ready classroom can be a daunting task. But all you need to do is choose a relevant curriculum and implement a STEM design that enhances the same. Educational institutions have been found to benefit from introducing STEM in early childhood education. STEM-skilled students will be well-equipped to enter varied fields such as Software development, Robotics, Medicine, Aeronautics etc.
Educators are well aware of the fact that children learn through play so they seek to provide meaningful, hands-on STEM learning which works for their district. Activities that solve real-world problems prove to be engaging and can be adapted to grade levels. Blend multiple subjects into a single lesson so that they can practise critical thinking outside the realm of maths and science. Additionally, you can bring in art, drama and music and seamlessly merge them into current lessons and tasks.
Teachers should approach authorities to provide the best classroom setup in terms of hardware, utilities and amenities to facilitate STEM Classroom learning. Choose a classroom that has the best facilities and a flexible layout that can be cleared for a demonstration or team-building activity. It should be designed to display premium organization and storage as the STEM classroom may be utilized by multiple teachers and may have unfinished projects lying about. Student desk setups should be conducive to working in groups. There needs to be a good Wi-Fi signal as STEM learning is all about students independently discovering information while applying it together. Many schools in the GCC areas already have STEM-conducive classrooms.
An excellent tool is the STEM Kit which is a teaching tool that comprises all required components, visual instructions and online learning modules. Every STEM topic is covered in these kits which are designed by experts. These kits take the pressure off the instructor and allow him to facilitate learning and deliver quality STEM activities. You can also utilize video-conferencing to connect with experts who will guide the classroom on any topic.
One such kit is the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential which is a STEAM solution for elementary education. Extremely popular in the Middle East, this is an instinctual, comprehensive, and highly adaptable hands-on learning system. It contributes to reading ability, math, and social-emotional development. LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential combines the school curriculum with colourful LEGO® elements, a simple coding progression, and smart hardware. SPIKE Essential uses real-life experiences, familiar Lego building elements and relatable mini-figures to solve problems through storytelling. It includes 5 units that concentrate on upper and lower elementary grades. Each unit has almost 7-to-8-hour long lessons plus extensions that encourage students to brainstorm with their peers while arriving at the conclusion. The intuitive SPIKE™ App comes along with comprehensive online support. SPIKE Essential excites and engages students and develops their knowledge and skills required for their future.