[Doctoral Interview] What is the difference between STEM teaching and traditional teaching?

August 20, 2021

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In recent years, the government has vigorously promoted STEM teaching, but many parents may not understand the difference between STEM teaching and traditional teaching, nor do they understand the advantages of STEM.

A few days ago, we participated in a visit to the “Shindi Gifted Science and Creative Development Project” for grassroots gifted children. During the event, reporters had the opportunity to see how grassroots gifted elementary school students are trained and trained in participating in different types of STEM courses. Learn.

During the event, we interviewed Dr. Yuan Dawei, who had taught in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for many years, and was responsible for teaching basic-level gifted primary school students in mechanical engineering in this project. At the same time, we shared some of the lessons of teaching STEM knowledge to children.

Grassroots birth aims to give back to society

Dr. Yuan likes to bring toys to class, and through the participation of students in the production of various creative toys, let them master and apply new STEM knowledge. Then why is he interested in teaching elementary school students when he originally taught at the university? He said: “In fact, I was born at the grassroots level. I have participated in the activities of the Children’s and Girls’ Clubs Association when I was a little bit younger, so this time is considered a kind of feedback. This time Sun Hung Kai sponsored the Children’s and Girls’ Clubs Association to organize such activities for the grassroots children. Participating, helping him grow, I think it’s so meaningful; so I don’t even think about doing my best to participate.”

“STEM” focuses on creative thinking

“STEM” education aims to fully stimulate children’s development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). While the Education Bureau intends to vigorously promote STEM teaching, what is the difference between STEM teaching and traditional teaching? ? Where is the advantage of STEM? Dr. Yuan pointed out: “In fact, the STEM department has been promoted from the United States. The most important thing is that the Priser ability test has led to lower and lower student rankings.” “In the 21st century, you may have heard of the Maker Revolution (Maker Revolution). ). The talents needed in the 21st century are no longer the same. They must have creative thinking and can solve problems. It is so important to settle down.”

A group of children who participated in the “SHKP Gifted Science and Creative Development Project” visited the World Trade Plaza with Dr. Yuan Dawei to learn about the application of STEM in construction engineering.

Insufficient training of traditional education innovation ability

He continued: “You may have heard the Google CEO say that in 2030…In the near future, more than 50% of jobs can be replaced by artificial intelligence or robots. That’s right, today is in traditional education. If the fruits learn knowledge, remember knowledge, and use knowledge, they don’t pay much attention to it. If they don’t strengthen their ability to innovate, their value in the 21st century will disappear.” Therefore, Dr. Yuan believes that when (STEM) is promoted, all parts of the world The government thinks it is right, and everyone is going to implement it.

Dr. Yuan also pointed out that STEM mainly emphasizes the strengthening of creative thinking in the process and practical action in solving problems. However, traditional education is less focused on the practical ability to solve problems, and the evaluation of traditional examinations is inadequate.

In the “SHKP Gifted Science and Creative Development Project”, Dr. Yuan Dawei, who is responsible for teaching basic-level gifted primary school students the knowledge of mechanical engineering, not only explained the advantages of STEM, but also shared the insights in the process of teaching primary school students.

During his teaching process, he usually uses some tools or toys to assist in teaching. Dr. Yuan said that he follows the framework of “Desgin, Make, Play” (i.e. design, manufacturing, and games) to teach students. The most important thing is to let students have a sense of accomplishment in the learning and manufacturing process. It is also very important to incorporate learning into games, such as designing a gasoline car or other things, with a little game element, and they will find it very interesting.

Learn from action and practice

Dr. Yuan continued: “In fact, I tried this method when I was in university (teaching), and it was very successful. We call the law learning by doing, that is, learn by doing and practice. For students, the problem is. It’s not just a frame, but flexibility and freedom. (Let students know) Real life is different from what is taught in the textbook, so the angle of cultivating problem solving and looking at problems will change.”

Asked about the changes in teaching mechanical engineering knowledge to elementary school students after teaching at the university. Dr. Yuan pointed out: “University students have a good knowledge base, so I have higher requirements and difficulties for them, and it is possible to create a huge project. As for children, they can only ask them to complete a small part of it. That is to say, what they can accomplish within their abilities, and the most important thing is not to make them feel frustrated, so that they can have fun in the learning process.”

It is important to cultivate the enthusiasm for learning

Finally, Dr. Yuan pointed out that what he hopes most is that the children who participated in this course this time can develop the interest and love of solving problems, which is what STEM refers to as “love science, love technology, love engineering and Love mathematics”, on the other hand, I also hope to strengthen their self-confidence. He believes that if children can arouse “love and interest” in the learning process, they will naturally push themselves to continue learning further. This is the most important thing!