STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education programmes take place at most educational levels, initially bringing positive effects, promoting student creativity. However, in order to properly implement the spirit of integrated education through practice and applications, schools need to proactively strengthen links and development between colleges, universities and businesses

Son Tra Senior High School students assemble their own models thanks to practical experiences through STEM classes. Photo: NGOC HA

Students and teachers are excited about STEM

According to a coordinated programme between the Da Nang Vocational College and the Son Tra Senior High School, in the 2023-2024 school year, nearly 100 students participate in learning using the STEM method. In one month, students take 5 theory and 25 practical classes.

By combining theory with practice and practical applications, students can access and apply STEM knowledge to real projects: solar energy, electromagnetic sensors, robot design and research on green technology applications.

Tran Thi Kieu Vy, a pupil from the Son Tra Senior High School, said, “This is the first time I have learned and practiced on devices associated with reality. At the end of the course, my friends and I were able to assemble and operate the sensor system”.

In a similar vein, when learning about some simple control circuits using sensor modules, pupils at Hai Chau District-based Duc Tri Primary and Secondary School were able to install their own devices monitoring humidity indicators for plants during a Technology class.

After experiencing assembling the model on virtual software, the actual moisture warning device was quickly completed. In each potted plant, a warning device sounds and a light turns on once the humidity is high.

During this school year, teachers of the Tran Phu Senior High School attended 2 training sessions on STEM education jointly organised by the Da Nang University of Science and Technology and the VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education.

Based on practical experiences in teaching, teachers of the Tran Phu Senior High School and lecturers of the Da Nang University of Science and Technology practiced designing STEM subjects with the ‘project-based learning’ method.

According to Mr. Phan Tien Dau, a Physics teacher at the Tran Phu Senior High School, training classes on STEM education significantly help teachers better understand the process and how to organise the implementation of STEM projects. From there, in many lessons, teachers can suggest and relate to problems and phenomena in life so that students know how to apply knowledge into practice.

For example, with horizontal or oblique throwing movements, teachers can relate the phenomenon of a dragon breathing fire or the symbol of a carp spraying water. Students can contact to learn physics knowledge related to the lesson such as throwing direction and establishing alpha angle.

Promote coordination

Currently, the most popular STEM education in schools is STEM lessons. STEM projects only stop at a few science or engineering projects developed by students or an extracurricular activity at the scale of each grade level. Furthermore, schools do not have enough facilities and resources to help their pupils practice and apply knowledge collected from books.

Mr. Bui Minh Quang, the Principal of the Son Tra Senior High School, the STEM programme not only helps students master knowledge but also encourages creativity and critical thinking. This is an important step in preparing students for their future careers. “The Da Nang Vocational College provides the school with professional support and consulting, providing curriculum materials and software related to STEM.

The Festo Company accompanies in providing tools and equipment for students to make products. From the cooperation of schools and businesses, we can prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the future, while contributing to the sustainable development of society.”, Mr. Quang said.

Dr. Dang Duc Long, the VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education emphasised that organizing training courses for schools is the premise for teachers to change training tools and methods to help students develop comprehensively, meeting the requirements of the 2018 General Education Programme.  It is a must-do for universities and colleges to strengthen coordination in STEM education training, organise STEM festivals and create conditions for students to practice more.

Reporting by NGOC HA - Translating by A.THU