Location
Mezzanine M2
Start Date
9-8-2016 11:15 AM
End Date
9-8-2016 12:30 PM
Subjects
STEM education, Engineering education, Engineering design, Design, Problem solving, Problem based learning, Technology education, Technology curriculum, Primary education, Longitudinal studies
Abstract
With the increased national and international focus on advancing STEM education, it is important to ensure all of its disciplines are represented in the curriculum. To-date, the STEM acronym has been used largely in reference to science, with less emphasis on the remaining disciplines – especially engineering. Yet engineering design, a core component of engineering education, is now seen internationally as a foundational process linking the STEM disciplines, not just confined to engineering. Engineering concepts, design processes, representing, modelling, and innovative design-based problem-solving are all featured within the new Design and Technologies Curriculum. This paper will explore the nature and roles of these engineering components and discuss ways in which they might be integrated within primary school students’ STEM learning. The paper will include findings from STEM-based problem-solving research with a focus on engineering learning.
Recommended Citation
English, L. (2016, August 09). Targeting all of STEM in the primary school : Engineering design as a foundational process [Paper presentation]. Research Conference 2016 - Improving STEM Learning : What will it take?. https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference/RC2016/9august/5
Copyright Statement
Copyright Australian Council for Educational Research 2016
Place of Publication
Melbourne Vic
Publisher
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
ISBN
9781742864075
Targeting all of STEM in the primary school : Engineering design as a foundational process
Mezzanine M2
With the increased national and international focus on advancing STEM education, it is important to ensure all of its disciplines are represented in the curriculum. To-date, the STEM acronym has been used largely in reference to science, with less emphasis on the remaining disciplines – especially engineering. Yet engineering design, a core component of engineering education, is now seen internationally as a foundational process linking the STEM disciplines, not just confined to engineering. Engineering concepts, design processes, representing, modelling, and innovative design-based problem-solving are all featured within the new Design and Technologies Curriculum. This paper will explore the nature and roles of these engineering components and discuss ways in which they might be integrated within primary school students’ STEM learning. The paper will include findings from STEM-based problem-solving research with a focus on engineering learning.
Comments
Concurrent session Block 3