(Abstract)
The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of STEM education on affective characteristics for Science,
Technology and Engineering of middle school students. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: 1) To develop STEM ...
(Abstract)
The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of STEM education on affective characteristics for Science,
Technology and Engineering of middle school students. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: 1) To develop STEM education program in Technology education for middle school students. 2) To analyze the effect of STEM education on affective characteristics for science, technology and engineering. 10 middle school students were surveyed by using a self-reported instrument after they are applied to STEM education program. The results of this study were as follows: First, STEM program focusing on Technology education of middle school consists of worksheets, portfolios for students and a lesson plan for teacher, including evaluation questionnaire of affective domain. Students should fill in evaluation questionnaire before and after STEM program so that it can be used to analyze changes. Second, Students performed 'Making a fan using solar cell module' with a creative design. The students' affective characteristics for science, technology and engineering had changed positively in the result of quantitative test. 70% of the students provided positive answers for their interest and understanding about the program after applied to STEM education program. Third, the result of students answering in the qualitative test is that STEM education program was instructive and interesting. Most of the leaners were satisfied with the program and they wanted to learn more through this kind of study. Fourth, In the individual interview, Students perceived that technical part was difficult. However, they could figure out the STEM subject matter easily through activity in the class. Furthermore, students were interested in cooperative class more than instructor-led class. They answered that they would recommend this STEM program for those reasons. Based on these conclusions, suggestions of this study are as follows: First, it takes long time and needs cooperation of school field to develop STEM education program harmoniously. Once in a while, it is required to change the curriculum and demonstrate its flexibility. By applying the Educational Curriculum Revision of 2009, it can be practicable to use a concentration course of study system or creative experience program. Because of that, it can be possible to develop STEM education program in connection with the course work of units. Second, a lot of experimental groups and control groups are necessary to generalize the result of the experiment. Curriculum developer and school field have to communicate closely with each other. In addition, they need agreement and cooperation between the two for the follow up study. Third, the purpose of STEM education is to enhance the efficiency of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering field. However, the effect in this study focuses on the affective area. Therefore, it should be investigated about its influences of STEM education in cognitive domain of Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering. Furthermore, the follow up experimental research should proceed to verify the educational efficiency in the area.