Awareness and Confidence of Vietnamese Primary School Teachers towards STEM-Integrated Teaching Approach

The Hung Anh Mai, Thi Thanh Hoi Phan, Duc Duy Phan, Thi Thuy Trang Nguyen

Abstract


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education has been piloted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training for primary school teachers since 2022. This research aims to evaluate awareness, confidence and the correlation between those variables with the demographic factors of Vietnamese elementary school teachers after nearly a year of implementing integrated STEM teaching. This study used a questionnaire survey method consisting of 30 items on a 5-point Likert scale for 148 elementary school teachers in the Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam. Data was analysed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics results showed that Vietnamese elementary school teachers have good awareness but lack confidence in STEM-integrated teaching. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between teachers’ awareness, confidence, and some demographic factors (educational level, work area). The outcomes of the one-way ANOVA analysis revealed a positive correlation: increased levels of teachers’ education corresponded to heightened awareness and confidence in STEM-integrated teaching. Additionally, teachers located in urban areas demonstrated greater awareness and confidence compared to their counterparts in rural countryside and highland areas.. Some recommendations to increase awareness and improve confidence in teaching STEM integration for Vietnamese elementary school teachers are presented at discuss session.

https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.11.10


Keywords


awareness; confidence; primary school teacher; STEM-integrated teaching

Full Text:

PDF

References


Allen, P., & Bennett, K. (2008). SPSS for the health & behavioural sciences: Thomson.

Bak?rc?, H., & Kar??an, D. (2017). Investigating the Preservice primary school, mathematics and science teachers’ STEM awareness. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 6, 32. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v6i1.2807

Banko, W., Grant, M. L., Jabot, M. E., McCormack, A. J., & O’Brien, T. (2013). Science for the next generation: preparing for the new standards. National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Press.

Bell, D. (2016). The reality of STEM education, design and technology teachers’ perceptions: A phenomenographic study. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 26, 61-79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-015-9300-9

Bien, N. V.; Hai, T. D.; Duc, T. M.; Hanh, N. V.; Tho, C. C.; Thuan, N. V.; Thuoc, D. V.; Trinh, T. B. (2019). STEM education in secondary schools. Vietnam Education Publishing House.

Brophy, S., Klein, S., Portsmore, M., & Rogers, C. (2008). Advancing engineering education in P-12 classrooms. Journal of Engineering Education, 97(3), 369-387. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00985.x

Czajka, C. D., & McConnell, D. (2016). Situated instructional coaching: A case study of faculty professional development. International Journal of STEM Education, 3(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0044-1

Dan, Z., & Wong, G. (2018). Teachers’ perceptions of professional development in integrated STEM education in primary schools. 2018 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 472-477. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON.2018.8363268

Daugherty, M., Carter, V., & Swagerty, L. (2014). Elementary STEM Education: The future for technology and engineering education? Journal of STEM Teacher Education, 49(1), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.30707/JSTE49.1Daugherty.

Docherty-Skippen, S., Karrow, D., & Ahmed, G. (2020). Doing science: Pre-service teachers’ attitudes and confidence teaching elementary science and technology. Brock Education: A Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 29(1), 24-34. https://journals.library.brocku.ca/brocked

Dönmez, ?., Gülen, S., & Ayaz, M. (2022). Impact of argumentation-based STEM activities on ongoing STEM motivation. Journal for STEM Education Research, 5, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-021-00062-2

Du, W., Liu, D., Johnson, C., Sondergeld, T., Bolshakova, V., & Moore, T. (2019). The impact of integrated STEM professional development on teacher quality. School Science and Mathematics, 119, 105-114. https://doi.org/10.1111/SSM.12318

English, L. D. (2016). STEM education K-12: Perspectives on integration. International Journal of STEM Education, 3, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0036-1

Fajrina, S., Lufri, L., & Ahda, Y. (2020). Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a learning approach to improve 21st century skills: A review. International Journal of Online & Biomedical Engineering, 16(7), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v16i07.14101

Fan, S.-C., Yu, K.-C., & Lin, K.-Y. (2021). A framework for implementing an engineering-focused STEM curriculum. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 19(2), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10129-y

Fridberg, M., Redfors, A., Greca, I. M., & Terceño, E. M. G. (2022). Spanish and Swedish teachers’ perspective of teaching STEM and robotics in pre-school–results from the botSTEM project. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 33, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-10021-09717-y.

Gardner, K., Glassmeyer, D., & Worthy, R. W. (2019). Impacts of STEM professional development on teachers’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice. Frontiers in Education, 4, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2019.00026

Guskey, T. (2002). Professional development and teacher change. Teachers and Teaching, 8, 381 - 391. https://doi.org/10.1080/135406002100000512

Guzey, S., Tank, K., Wang, H., Roehrig, G., & Moore, T. (2014). A high quality professional development for teachers of grades S 6 for Implementing engineering into classrooms. School Science and Mathematics, 114, 139-149. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.12061

Han, S. Y., Capraro, R. M., & Capraro, M. M. (2014). How science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning (PBL) affects high, middle, and low achievers differently: The impact of student factors on achievement. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13(5), 1089-1113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-014-9526-0

Householder, D. L., & Hailey, C. E. (2012). Incorporating engineering design challenges into STEM courses. http://ncete.org/flash/pdfs/NCETECaucusReport.pdf.

Hsu, M., Purzer, S., & Cardella, M. (2011). Elementary teachers’ views about teaching design, engineering, and technology. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research, 1, 31-39. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284314639

Keane, T., Linden, T., & Snead, S. (2022). Engaging primary girls in STEM: Best practice implementation, innovations, and gaps in Victorian classrooms. Swinburne University of Technology. 9. https://doi.org/10.26185/dwfy-wg64.

Khuyen, N. T. T., Bien, N. V., Lin, P.-L., Lin, J., & Chang, C.-Y. (2020). Measuring teachers’ perceptions to sustain STEM education development. Sustainability, 12(4), 1531-1546. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12041531

Knipprath, H., Thibaut, L., Buyse, M.-P., Ceuppens, S., Loof, H., Meester, J., Depaepe, F. (2018). STEM education in Flanders: How STEM@ school aims to foster STEM literacy and a positive attitude towards STEM. IEEE Instrumentation & Measurement Magazine, 21(3), 36-40. https://doi.org/10.1109/mim.2018.8360917

Laboy, R. D. (2011). Integrated STEM education through project-based learning. Retrieved from: https://docplayer.net/5787795-Integrated-stem-education-through-project-based-learning.html

Lam, T. B. L., Toan, T. T., & Ngoc, H. T. (2021). Challenges to STEM education in Vietnamese high school contexts. Heliyon, 7(12), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08649.

Marginson, S., Tytler, R., Freeman, B., & Roberts, K. (2013). STEM: country comparisons: International comparisons of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Final report. Retrieved from: https://acola.org.au/wp/PDF/SAF02Consultants/SAF02_STEM_%20FINAL.pdf

Ministry of Education and Training (Vietnam). (2018). Ch??ng trình giáo d?c ph? thông m?i ban hành kèm theo Thông t? s? 32/2018/TT-BGD?T [The new general education program promulgating Circular No. 32/2018/TT-BGDDT]. Retrieved from: https://bom.so/HItWLC

Ministry of Education and Training (Vietnam). (2020). Tri?n khai giáo d?c STEM trong giáo d?c trung h?c, S?: 3089/BGD?T-GDTrH. 14/8/2020 [Implement STEM education in secondary education, No. 3089/BGD?T-GDTrH]. Retrieved from: https://moet.gov.vn/van-ban/vbdh/Pages/chi-tiet-van-ban.aspx?ItemID=2784

Ministry of Education and Training (Vietnam). (2022). K? ho?ch tri?n khai th?c hi?n giáo d?c STEM c?p Ti?u h?c, s? 526/KH-BGD?T, Ngày 17/5/2022. [Plan to implement STEM education at primary school level, No. 526/KH-BGDDT, May 17, 2022].

Ministry of Education and Training (Vietnam). (2023). H?i th?o Nâng cao ch?t l??ng giáo d?c STEM trong giáo d?c trung h?c [Workshop on Improving the quality of STEM education in secondary education]. Retrieved from: https://moet.gov.vn/pages/tim-kiem.aspx?ItemID=8469

Moore, T. J., Miller, R. L., Lesh, R., Stohlmann, M. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2013). Modeling in engineering: The role of representational fluency in students’ conceptual understanding. Journal of Engineering Education, 102(1), 141-178. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20004

Nadelson, L., Callahan, J., Pyke, P., Hay, A., & Schrader, C. (2009). A sySTEMic solution: Elementary teacher preparation in STEM expertise and engineering awareness. Paper presented at the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exhibition, Austin, TX.

Nadelson, L., Callahan, J., Pyke, P., Hay, A., Dance, M., & Pfiester, J. (2013). Teacher STEM perception and preparation: inquiry-based STEM professional development for elementary teachers. The Journal of Educational Research, 106, 157 - 168. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2012.667014

National Research Council. (2012). A framework for K-12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas: Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Nikolopoulou, K., & Tsimperidis, I. (2023). STEM education in early primary years: Teachers’ views and confidence. Journal of Digital Educational Technology, 3(1), ep2302. https://doi.org/10.30935/jdet/12971.

Sevian, H., Dori, Y. J., & Parchmann, I. (2018). How does STEM context-based learning work: what we know and what we still do not know. International Journal of Science Education, 40(10), 1095-1107. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2018.1470346

Shahzad, K., & Naureen, S. (2017). Impact of teacher self-efficacy on secondary school students' academic achievement. Journal of Education and Educational Development, 4(1), 48-72. https://doi.org/10.22555/joeed.v22554i22551.21050.

Skamp, K., & Mueller, A. (2001). Student teachers’ conceptions about effective primary science teaching: a longitudinal study. International Journal of Science Education, 23, 331 - 351. https://doi.org/10.1080/095006901300069066

Stohlmann, M. S., Moore, T., & Roehrig, G. (2012). Considerations for teaching integrated STEM education. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research, 2, 28-34. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284314653

Sun, D., Zhan, Y., Wan, Z. H., Yang, Y., & Looi, C.-K. (2023). Identifying the roles of technology: A systematic review of STEM education in primary and secondary schools from 2015 to 2023. Research in Science & Technological Education, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2023.2251902

Tao, Y. (2019). Kindergarten teachers’ attitudes toward and confidence for integrated STEM education. Journal for STEM Education Research, 2. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41979-019-00017-8

Thibaut, L., Knipprath, H., Dehaene, W., & Depaepe, F. (2018). How school context and personal factors relate to teachers’ attitudes toward teaching integrated STEM. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 28(3), 631-651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-017-9416-1

Toma, R. B., & Greca, I. M. (2018). The effect of integrative STEM instruction on elementary students’ attitudes toward science. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(4), 1383-1395. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/83676

Utami, A., Rochintaniawati, D., & Suwarma, I. (2020). Enhancement of STEM literacy on knowledge aspect after implementing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-based instructional module. Paper presented at the Journal of Physics: Conference Series.

Voet, M., & De Wever, B. (2016). History teachers' conceptions of inquiry-based learning, beliefs about the nature of history, and their relation to the classroom context. Teaching and Teacher Education, 55, 57-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2015.1012.1008.

Wan, Z. H., English, L., So, W.W.M. et al. (2023). STEM Integration in Primary Schools: Theory, Implementation and Impact. Int J of Sci and Math Educ, 21(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-10023-10401-x.

Wang, H.-H., Moore, T. J., Roehrig, G. H., & Park, M. S. (2011). STEM integration: teacher perceptions and practice. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER), 1(2), 2. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284314636

Wyss, V., Heulskamp, D., & Siebert, C. J. (2012). Increasing middle school student interest in STEM careers with videos of scientists. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 7, 501-522.

Yasar, S., Baker, D., Robinson-kurpius, S., Krause, S., & Roberts, C. (2006). Development of a survey to assess K-12 teachers’ perceptions of engineers and familiarity with teaching design, engineering, and technology. Journal of Engineering Education, 95, 205-216. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2006.tb00893.x

Yates, G., & Chandler, M. (2000). Where have all the skeptics gone?: Patterns of new age beliefs and anti-scientific attitudes in preservice primary teachers. Research in Science Education, 30, 377-387. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02461557


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


e-ISSN: 1694-2116

p-ISSN: 1694-2493