STEM v/s STEAM Learning
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It explicitly focuses on scientific concepts. There is a greater need for STEM learning. It integrates these four elements together which enables the world to reach greater depths of research. There are new developments in these fields everyday, these developments bolster the lives of human beings by providing them with easier and more efficient ways of leading lives. Nowadays, technology belongs in every part of our lives. Technology is regarded as a boon in our lives. Hence, STEM learning is very important for present and future development of the society.
STEAM learning is a newer form of learning which is similar to STEM learning with an added advantage in the name of Arts. STEAM integrates all the elements of STEM with Arts. Arts can be in the form of humanities, visual arts, dance, drama, design or music. STEAM learning conceptualizes the concepts of STEM, but with a different approach. It achieves its goal through inquiry and problem-based learning. The life which is made easier by technology, can only be made human-friendly when we use STEAM learning methods. Any piece of technology can only be useful when we combine it with Arts. A smartphone needs words and scripts that can be read and understood by human beings. It needs a design which would help humans to easily perceive and find applications. All these things can only be implemented with STEAM. Hence, the evolution of technology needs to be aligned with various forms of Arts.
US and Europe have been encouraging more people to make their careers in STEM to go hand-in-hand with the rise of technological societies. But as mentioned above, we saw how important STEAM is to make these technologies user-friendly. Students who have a strong understanding of Arts, usually seem to do much better in STEM courses and careers. There are some schools of thought which prophesize the importance of keeping STEM to be original and not hinder its originality by adding another attribute to it. STEM is a term that came around in 2000s and just like many technological advancements, it will also require development over time. STEAM is, again, a very new concept and is still in processing stage. We hope to see these learning methods evolving and becoming a greater part in the process of development.
