Credit: niu.edu
Research shows low numbers of youth who are engaged in the sciences and the need for increased attention to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. With the release of a report from the Department of Commerce announcing that STEM jobs grew at three times the rate of non-STEM jobs, and offer higher pay, the fact that there is such a low interest in STEM is an interesting conundrum. If STEM careers are high-paying, and more available, why aren’t we creating more scientists?
According to an urban education expert, here are five major reasons for why youth are not likely to have careers in the STEM disciplines, and what we can do about it:
1) We have instilled the phrase “I’m not good at math or science” into a new generation.
2) Science is taught in a way that is opposite to what it truly is.
3) Science has lost the “cool factor” and kids have no “science heroes.”
4) We don’t focus on current issues in the discipline.
5) Good grades in science will not make you a scientist.
Read the full article here.
Tags: education, math, naveen jain, parenting, science, STEM