Conference paper 2017

STEM project based learning: Towards improving secondary school performance in mathematics and science

VS
von Solms, Suné
 NH
Nel, Hannelie
2017 IEEE AFRICON: Science, Technology and Innovation for Africa, AFRICON 2017
Conference · pp. 770-775
Abstract

South Africa is currently facing an education problem with one of the highest numbers of youth unemployment worldwide; as well as a shortage of specialized capabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In an effort to improve STEM education, universities are adopting schools in their communities with the aim to assist in the development of mathematics and science skills. This paper presents a study where a university-hosted STEM education initiative is incorporated within a secondary school science curriculum. The initiative exposes learners to STEM education and aids in the improvement of maths and science skills amongst secondary school learners. The effect of this implementation indicates a general improvement in academic performance amongst learners as the understanding of theoretical concepts are improved and practical application of theory experienced. © 2017 IEEE.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Secondary schools Problem-based learning STEM education

Index Keywords

Engineering education Project based learning academic performance education Problem based learning STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) STEM education Secondary schools Science curriculum Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics Societies and institutions Education problem
Author Affiliations
Department of Electrical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
1 Transforming the Preparation of Physics Teachers A Call to Action A Report by the Task Force on Teacher Education in Physics T Tep, (2012)
2 Poor Maths Science Education at Heart of SA S Skills Problem, (2014)
3 South Africa has A Skills Shortage how do We Fix It, (2016)
4 Stem Education as A Solution to Youth Unemployment, (2014)
5 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists
6 Scifest Africa
7 South African Science Fairs
8 Lecturing Advantages and Disadvantages of the Traditional Lecture Method
9 Problem Based Learning Case Studies Experience and Practice, (2001)
10 Wilkerson, Luann Anne, Concluding comments, New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 1996, 68, pp. 101-104, (1996)
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