The Importance of STEAM Education
By Kristen Powers
TPL Concierge Specialist
June 11, 2024
What is STEAM?
STEAM is an educational approach that integrates scientific and mathematical concepts with creative processes to encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and innovation. It emphasizes hands-on learning through inquiry and real-world applications. Here is a breakdown of each component:
Science involves exploring the natural world, conducting experiments, making observations, and understanding and applying scientific principles and processes.
Technology refers to the tools and systems created by humans to solve problems and improve efficiency. This includes both digital and non-digital technologies.
Engineering involves the application of scientific and mathematical principles to create solutions to real-world problems.
The Arts encompass a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, and literature and are integrated into STEAM to foster creativity, innovation, and expression.
Mathematics is the language of patterns, relationships, and quantitative reasoning and is integrated across disciplines to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
The Importance of STEAM Education
STEAM education provides students with several critical skills that will prepare them for success in and out of the classroom.
Promoting Collaboration: STEAM-centered learning is constructed to promote an enriching, collaborative academic domain. In STEAM-centered settings, students work together to understand new concepts through various access points, creating an inclusive and comprehensive educational experience.
Future Careers: Have you heard of AI ethicists? How about a virtual reality developer? Gut Health Chef? According to Carl Frey, an economist at Oxford University, these are some of the jobs of the future that our children will need the skills and knowledge for. In order to best prepare for life in the coming decades, a solid STEAM education is integral to competing in the global economy and job marketplace of the future.
Innovation and Creativity: Modern problems require modern solutions, and innovation is at the heart of STEAM education. In a STEAM environment, students can hone their creative thinking skills to find solutions for modern challenges and problems.
Tenacity: STEAM disciplines often involve complex and intricate problems that do not have straightforward solutions. STEAM creates a growth mindset community that celebrates small victories, acknowledges hard work, and focuses on reflection to improve and evolve.
Inclusivity: Cultivating a learning community that showcases and celebrates students’ different perspectives, strengths, and interests leads to better learning outcomes for all children, and by combining different academic areas, students have the opportunity to do just that.
STEAM education enhances students’ academic understanding and equips them with essential life skills such as collaboration, inclusivity, and perseverance. This approach cultivates a learning mindset that embraces continuous growth and exploration in an ever-changing world.
