Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Challenges Faced in Implementing STEM Education in India


Debating around the importance of STEM Education in Indian curriculum is nothing new. With the government’s aid, the country is making great developments in popularizing STEM subjects among students. Focused towards developing critical thinking, self-management and innovative skills, STEM Education is all about hands-on learning. ‘Do-it-yourself’ activities remains at the core of this rather modern education system.


However, a country like India which produces the highest number of scientists and engineers still struggles to increase involvement of students in this curriculum.

Several challenges are being faced in implementing STEM Education. 

Let’s have a look:

The biggest obstacle in this direction is the infrastructural support. Schools need to design infrastructure to create an environment of scientific learning. It requires funds to bring the required DIY tools and equipment including the best computers. Difficulties are also faced while finding the best guidance and support for children. Making arrangements towards educating the ecosystem about the need for such programs could be one of the possible solutions to overcome these challenges.

Educators’ conventional thinking and more inclination towards traditional learning also create problem. They think that STEM labs will divert students from studies and defined curriculum would be difficult to complete on time. Probably, this problem could be addressed by creating awareness around STEM education and showing the positive side of introducing students to STEM learning.

More boys and fewer girls in this discipline also creates an imbalance. Providing them equal opportunities and career prospects can be a way to bring equilibrium.

India is a developing country that is gradually striving to make its position among renowned nations of the world. This would turn into a reality only if its sizeable young population is educated in science and technology, which is a huge challenge. A major proportion of India’s population is economically backward and lives in poverty.

In this scenario, keeping pace with the global scientific and technological innovation seems like a distant dream. Now, integrating latest developments in STEM in traditional curricula while considering both the employ-ability and the social development of students is a huge challenge. A possible solution could be to increase awareness around the need of education and introducing STEM at the school level. Global STEM job requirements are already up.

India needs to make strategic plans and establish STEM labs in elementary schools to acquainting students to research life, identity their interest areas, foster curiosity and nurture innovation. In addition, there’s a strong need to assist academically brilliant students from economically backward sections to make greater advancements in STEM.

Reference Link:
https://stembridgelabs.tumblr.com/post/175108354847/challenges-faced-in-implementing-stem-education-in

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