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

Authors

  • Nga Nguyen Thi Hang Hanoi University of Education, Vietnam orcid.org/0000-0003-0149-9424
  • Muu Nguyen Ngoc Saigon University, Vietnam orcid.org/0009-0001-1216-6839
  • Hung Ngo Van Thu Do University, Vietnam orcid.org/0009-0005-5897-0063

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v11i1.5172

Keywords:

current situation, solutions, STEM education, Vietnam, teacher training

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.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Nga Nguyen Thi Hang, Hanoi University of Education, Vietnam orcid.org/0000-0003-0149-9424

    Nga Nguyen Thi Hang is members of the research team at Hanoi University of Education, Vietnam. She focus on researching the effectiveness of using modern teaching methods and teaching techniques in high schools. She are also interested in teaching to develop student capacity, teaching according to STEM education and using experiments in teaching.

  • Muu Nguyen Ngoc, Saigon University, Vietnam orcid.org/0009-0001-1216-6839

    Nguyen Ngoc Muu is a lecturer currently teaching at the Department of Primary Education, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The main research interests of the author include capacity development in teaching; competency-based assessment and evaluation; experiential activities; STEM education in the teaching of Natural and Social Sciences, Natural Science, and Biology in secondary schools.

  • Hung Ngo Van, Thu Do University, Vietnam orcid.org/0009-0005-5897-0063

    Ngo Van Hung is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Hanoi Capital University, Hanoi, Vietnam. His research fields include pedagogical science; developing student capacities in teaching Biology and Natural Science; STEM education; training and professional development for biology teachers, natural science teachers using modern teaching methods and techniques in secondary schools.

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Published

2024-01-16

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Articles

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