Understanding the Meaning Behind STEAM
“STEAM” is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. So, what exactly is a STEAM school? A STEAM school is an educational institution that embraces a relatively new approach to learning. It is an evolution of the STEM education movement that gained traction around 2011. Rather than teaching these subjects in isolation, STEAM schools focus on integrating them through problem-solving, hands-on experiences, critical thinking, creativity, and other related concepts.
STEAM education also emphasizes the interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. By breaking down the traditional barriers between these disciplines, STEAM equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the increasingly agile and technology-driven job market of the United States.
Differentiating STEM and STEAM
While STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEAM takes it a step further by incorporating the arts. Although this may seem contrary to the “left-brained” nature of STEM, the inclusion of the arts is crucial. For far too long, educators and society have perpetuated the notion that individuals are either right-brained or left-brained, neglecting the fact that artistic creativity plays a vital role in developing conceptual skills that contribute to innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Assessing Students’ Proficiency in STEAM
Several factors influence students’ aptitude, but data suggests that students in the United States are underperforming in mathematics compared to their global peers. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which assesses the academic capabilities of 15-year-old students in approximately 79 countries, revealed that in 2018, American students performed above average in reading and science but below average in mathematics. Considering that many future careers will require strong mathematical skills, it is crucial to prioritize an educational curriculum that emphasizes practical application and deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
The Benefits of a STEAM Approach
On the surface, focusing on the “STEM” aspect of STEAM offers advantages in terms of being at the forefront of innovation. Modern advancements in technology have already demonstrated that STEM fields will drive global economies and offer financially rewarding careers.
Historically, the United States educational system has not placed significant emphasis on STEM subjects, particularly in primary and secondary education. This may explain the rise from 5% to 23% in the number of jobs in the US requiring advanced digital skills, according to Digitalization and the American Workforce.
In a different vein, the integrated approach of STEAM, especially with the inclusion of the arts, contributes to student success by fostering engagement and offering a holistic teaching experience. The American educational system has often compartmentalized subjects, failing to show students the diverse connections between seemingly unrelated topics. A STEAM school aims to bridge this gap by encouraging students to explore how different subjects, such as mathematics and the arts, can intertwine to create innovative ways of thinking. For instance, picturing the Fibonacci Sequence through the creation of a painting can ignite curiosity and interest in both art and mathematics among inquisitive young minds.
The Evolving Definition of STEAM
Rather than viewing STEAM as a rigid and predefined curriculum, it is more helpful to see it as a lens through which students can learn and excel in new ways. Organizations like the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM provide resources and teaching materials, but individual schools also have the freedom to define their own approach.
Where academic success was once measured by rote memorization, STEAM prioritizes problem-solving, collaboration, experimentation, self-expression, and more. Through carefully crafted projects and curriculum, teachers and professionals can inspire students to develop a love for learning. Passion for STEAM can empower the youth of the United States to continually innovate and achieve future success.
