Binh Thuan to pilot STEM education at the primary schools

Install effectiveness

Phu Thuy Primary School is one of the five primary schools in Phan Thiet City selected to pilot the teaching of STEM education this academic year. The STEM practical lesson of class 2C at Phu Thuy 1 School was lively, and students were excited to create products. Using available materials such as cardboard, colored paper, markers, scissors, rulers, etc., teachers guided students to create products like abacuses, folding rulers, random spinners, and practical desk calendars. Student Cao Hoang Ha Trang – from class 2C happily expressed: “I am very happy and enjoy every STEM lesson; here, I and my friends create practical products.”

Students enjoy practicing the STEM program

Phu Thuy 1 School implements the STEM education program from grades 1 to 4 with 10 lessons per academic year. Specifically, in the first semester, the school organized experiential activities to teach traffic safety signals to grade 1 students in the schoolyard, gaining parental consensus and active participation from teachers and students. Teacher Bui Thi Thu Hoai – from class 2C stated: “The STEM education program has completed 6 out of 10 lessons so far. Through one semester of teaching the STEM program, we have seen the important role of STEM education in effectively implementing the GEP 2018 program. The STEM program helps students unleash their creativity, logical thinking, outstanding learning efficiency, and provides more comprehensive development opportunities without burdening or overloading students.” However, according to Hoài, the current difficulty in teaching STEM is that most teachers do not have enough time to complete products in class, and some products are quite challenging for students and require time and support from parents at home. Many teachers only have a superficial understanding and are still struggling to apply the STEM education method despite training on positive teaching methods and techniques.

Principal Huynh Vinh Thang of Phu Thuy 1 Primary School stated that after one semester of implementing the STEM education program, there has been an initial improvement in the effectiveness of education according to the 2018 general education program. Especially through experiential activities and practical exercises, curiosity and exploration have been stimulated, promoting students’ creativity and problem-solving abilities. Regarding the limitations and shortcomings during the STEM implementation process, the school has organized experience-sharing meetings and provided guidance to each grade level to closely follow the plan for execution.

STEM pilot program in 48 primary schools

The STEM education activities at the primary school level have been piloted by the Ministry of Education and Training from the academic year 2022-2023 for some educational institutions in provinces and cities including Hanoi, Lao Cai, Nam Dinh, Thua Thien - Hue, Dak Lak, Can Tho, and Dong Thap. By the academic year 2023-2024, the Ministry of Education and Training has requested these localities to continue implementing the program in all primary educational institutions within their jurisdiction. Accordingly, in the academic year 2023-2024, the Department of Education and Training of Binh Thuan province has organized the implementation of STEM education in 48 primary schools across 10 districts, towns, and cities in the province.

Currently, the 48 primary schools implementing STEM education have developed flexible teaching plans tailored to the conditions of infrastructure and suitable for the psychological development of students, without overburdening students and teachers. In order to effectively implement STEM education, the Department of Education and Training has conducted training sessions for management officials, core teachers of the Education and Training Departments. They also oversee and monitor the implementation process of STEM education by the Education and Training Departments and relevant primary educational institutions. Additionally, they collaborate to create videos on STEM lessons, organize professional activities, and specialized conferences. The program has initially developed the necessary qualities and capabilities for students, contributing effectively to the implementation of the 2018 general education program. It is expected that from the academic year 2024-2025, the Department of Education and Training of Binh Thuan will organize the implementation of STEM education for 100% of primary educational institutions to ensure quality and meet the required standards.

STEM education is an educational method mainly based on integrated teaching, creating opportunities for students to mobilize and synthesize knowledge and skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to develop. develop qualities, abilities and effectively solve problems in real life. STEM education has three forms: STEM lessons, STEM experiential activities, and getting acquainted with scientific and technical research.