CURRENT SITUATION AND SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEACHING IN STEM EDUCATION IN GENERAL SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY IN SOME NORTHERN PROVINCES OF VIETNAM

Abstract

The paper delves into the state and challenges of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in schools. By conducting an intensive survey, it offers insights into the current status of STEM education and highlights the perceptions and difficulties faced by educators in adopting STEM methodologies. The study reveals that while there's an increasing recognition of the importance of STEM in the natural sciences curriculum, several obstacles impede its full implementation. A significant challenge is the difficulty in correlating real-world issues with natural science subjects, making it tough for educators to make lessons engaging and relevant. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate educational tools and materials, combined with inadequate infrastructural facilities in schools, further hampers the quality of teaching. Moreover, the research identifies a gap in the training of educators. Many teachers are unfamiliar with STEM, lacking both understanding and confidence in the approach. This is exacerbated by time constraints in the classroom and insufficient support from parents. Additionally, the paper points out that only a limited number of natural science topics can be aptly integrated into STEM projects, creating a narrower scope for educators. To address these challenges, the paper suggests the need for better training for teachers specifically tailored to STEM requirements, more substantial institutional support, and fostering a closer relationship between STEM education and the broader natural sciences curriculum.  Article visualizations: