The Case for Change

STEM Education seems to be the answer – What was the question?

If we want students to learn how to apply knowledge, their education experiences must involve them in both learning the knowledge of STEM disciplines and reacting to situations that require them to apply that knowledge in contexts appropriate to their age and stage of development (Bybee, 2013, p. x)

STEM empowers students to use their unique talents

STEM gives students the opportunity to solve problems in creative and innovative ways. For some, this could be their one moment to shine!

STEM may encourage girls

By engaging girls in STEM activities, we may see greater participation in traditional male dominated occupations.

STEM engages students' natural curiosity

The dynamic nature of hands-on learning makes it more likely many students will be more engaged and excited about learning.

STEM is practical and versatile

The hands-on approach emphasizes creativity, problem solving and critical thinking.

STEM affects the economy

Government and business sectors have indicated an urgent need for a greater focus on STEM education in Australia if the country is to remain competitive. 1

Employment trends

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has estimated that STEM-related jobs in professional, scientific and technical services will increase by 12.5% over the next five years, with employment in the computer system design and related services sector projected to increase by 24.6% 2

Employment demand

Employers’ demands for STEM skills are increasing, and they want a future workforce that is STEM-literate and STEM-capable. 3

Richard E Baldwin on "the future of work" and how we address that through changing what we teach:

"We need to focus on the most human tasks that AI can't do - empathy, creativity, innovation, collaboration, being curious, applying ethics."

1 https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/aciq/stem-resources/teaching/ac_stem_qld_schools.pdf

2 Labour Market Information Portal 2017, 2017 Industry employment projections report, http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/EmploymentProjections.

3 https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/aciq/stem-resources/teaching/ac_stem_qld_schools.pdf