The STEM vs STEAM debate has kept most parents on the edge for a few years now. Both these models have gained a lot of attention over the last decade or so, as educators tried to devise more meaningful and effective ways to connect with students.
According to the National Science Foundation, STEM education prepares students for the knowledge economy, where many current and future jobs require a good foundation in science and maths. But critics of the STEM model point that much of it is designed to get students “good jobs” rather than focussing on their holistic development. This is where the STEAM model comes into picture.
As parents, it can be quite confusing when you have to decide which one is better as a career path and suitable for your child. Which is why we are taking through this method of learning to help you make an informed decision.
Stem vs Steam Debate: What You Should Know
STEM includes subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths. While STEAM includes STEM plus, the arts – humanities, language arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media.
The main difference between the two is that STEM explicitly focuses on scientific concepts. On the other hand, STEAM investigates the same concepts but does this through inquiry and problem-based learning methods used in the creative process.
Let us take you through each of these concepts and how they help children learn better.
The STEM Model Of Education
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Some of the most popular STEM projects are basic computer programming and bridge-building. These subjects make the opportunities in STEM, infinite. Here’s a look at some of the prominent highlights of this academic method.
Pros of the STEM model
- STEM lessons are well-rounded, inquiry-based, and project-based.
- It focuses on interdisciplinary learning instead of teaching each subject independently.
- It is considered to be an exceptional way of learning and instructing as this model aligns perfectly with the way we solve problems in life and the way we work.
- STEM emphasises on the 4Cs including Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Collaboration.
- STEM can help children develop a more diverse skillset, and infuse passionate for growth and exploration.
- The most interesting aspect of STEM model is that it forced children’s brains to work and learn at the same time. So if you want your child to learn through the STEM model, then you need to encourage curiosity, exploration, questioning and play from a young age.
After all as parents, it should be our endeavour to ensure that children are not just memorising facts, but are able to develop skills that can help them evaluate their skills.
Cons of the STEM model
1. Lack of resources
One of the biggest problems of STEM education is the lack of resources. A school should be adequately-funded with the latest technology to team STEM. Plus, it also poses a problem for conventional schools who have to train their current staff to use the new technology.
But if budget is not a constraint, and you are planning to teach your children at home, you can opt for STEM kits. These can prove to be a great start to STEM, and are readily available in the market for all ages.
The model is completely focused on grades and assessments, instead of enabling children to foster problem-solving skills, creativity, critical thinking skills, and innovation.
3. Creating a lesson plan can be a challenge
Creating lesson plans in STEM can be challenging in the beginning. In fact, there are many teachers who are simply not interested in teaching STEM. They still prefer keeping each of the subjects isolated with separate lessons.
Image courtesy: iStock
Career and Earning Potential of STEM
STEM covers a wide spectrum of occupations, and they surely have a high earning potential and growth.
According to the PEW Research Centre, the median earning is $81,011 for STEM college-educated, full-time workers. This is around $20,000 more when compared to other college majors.
Now with the STEM industry as well, the earning potential of the different career options are high. For instance, the median salary is $98,350 for an information security analyst.
Now let’s take a look at the STEAM model of education.
The STEAM Model Of Education
Image courtesy: Pexel
STEAM is the addition of “A” or Arts to STEM. Artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci have already proved to the world that combining science and art can help make many discoveries.
STEAM education in schools provides students with the opportunity to learn creatively.
STEAM-focused curriculum includes the study of language arts, humanities, music, dance, visual arts, design, and new media, among others. Children who can explore these areas and master at least one of them can make themselves better candidates in the workforce today. This is because most companies often also give importance to soft skills.
Pros of the STEAM model
- STEAM can be taught naturally as children navigate their world, explore, play and try new things on a daily basis.
- Children can work on play and DIY activities at hoe and don’t necessarily need flashcards or rote learning.
- STEAM offers hands-on learning through activities like examining shapes, building things, role-playing, touching, feeling, investigating and experiencing. The intention is to create opportunities for them to explore their world, learn through experience and discovery, and of course, express themselves better
Cons of STEAM Model
The problem is that STEAM critics are not convinced that adding arts and reading to STEM is beneficial. In fact, a few people think of it as a dilution of STEM’s main objective and focus.
Career and Earning Potential of STEAM
There are diverse career options in STEAM. It includes professions like sound engineering, architecture, graphic designing, and product designing among others.
Researchers found that students who study art are four times more likely to be recognised for academic achievement. They also state that sustained learning in music and theatre correlates strongly with higher achievement in both math in reading.
In fact, the highest-performing countries in math and science, such as Japan, Hungary, and the Netherlands, have mandatory arts and music education programs.
As for income, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that STEAM jobs offer a median annual wage of $84,880, “compared to $37,020 for all occupations.”
As the global economy continues to evolve, the need for creative workers with problem-solving skills will continue to grow. By getting teachers and students involved in the STEAM movement, students can get more creative and that can revolutionise the workforce.
It can also give shape to a new way of thinking that is engaging, multifaceted and inclusive, with the diversity of representation of the real world.
Yes, the STEM vs STEAM debate may still continue, but what matters most is your kid’s bent towards a particular subject. No matter which model they choose, as parents, your job would be to support their career choices and encourage them to think out of the box.
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