Home Economics Teachers’ Readiness for Teaching STEM TVET Conference 2015 Leonie Clarke, PhD Cynthia Perriel-Clarke, M.A. May, 2015
Dec 21, 2015
Home Economics Teachers’ Readiness for Teaching STEMTVET Conference 2015
Leonie Clarke, PhDCynthia Perriel-Clarke, M.A.May, 2015
Definition of STEM Statement of problemResearch questionsLiterature ReviewMethodologyResultsConclusionRecommendationsReferences
Format of Presentation
STEM EDUCATION
STEM education is an area of study but it is also a way of teaching and learning that is project-based, collaborative, and focused on solving real-world problems (Turner, 2013)
STEM EDUCATION
The approach integrates the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-life situations.
STEM EDUCATION
Stem programmes educate the whole student, emphasizing innovation, problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity (Turner, 2013)
Statement of Problem
To discover current perceptions of in-service secondary school teachers of home economics regarding their readiness to implement the STEM methodology in their teaching
Research Questions
How do home economics teachers perceive their knowledge of STEM? (Do home economics teachers think they know about STEM)
How do teachers perceive the status of STEM in Jamaica and their individual schools?
Research Questions
How do teachers perceive their level of preparedness (knowledge of methodology) to deliver the STEM curriculum in their classrooms?
How do teachers perceive their competence to deliver the STEM curriculum in their classrooms?
Significance
Teachers’ understanding of the methodology of STEM instruction is essential for effective delivery of the curriculum
Curriculum planners’ knowledge of teachers’ readiness for delivery of the curriculum is essential for developing an action plan for teachers’ success
Literature ReviewThe present technologically driven workforce necessitates that individuals are able to solve real-world problems through the processes of investigation, data analysis, presentation of evidence-based reasoning, and communication of findings (Moon & Singer, 2012)
Literature Review Careers of the 21st Century require high school graduates and future professionals who can use higher-order thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of concepts), problem solve, and work effectively in a team (Shirley & Kholer, 2012).
These skills are core components of STEM education (Turner, 2013).
Literature Review Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programmes can respond to this demand through the identification of parallels between science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and clothing and textiles curriculum (Shirley & Kholer, 2012). F&N and HM as well
Literature Review The teacher is responsible for designing innovative lessons based on student interests and real-world topics and becomes a guide, leading the students to high levels of learning (Schlechty, 2011)
… educators have the greatest impact on student achievement (TSIN, 2012).
Literature Review
49 % of high school students are bored with school every day, and 17% are bored with every class they take (Yazzie-Mintz, 2010).
Are teachers ready to engage?
Methodology
Survey among 90+ participants; teachers at the secondary education level in Jamaica (31 responded)
Participants were selected by convenience sampling
Data Collection
Questionnaires consisted of 41 items in 5 categories (inclusive of demographics)
Items were rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 0, indicating not applicable, to 5, indicating strong agreement with the statements
Data CollectionRespondents located their perception of
◦their knowledge of STEM (6 items), ◦the status of STEM in Jamaica (5 items), ◦their level of preparedness to deliver the STEM curriculum in their classrooms (5 items),
◦their competence in delivering the STEM curriculum (18 items), on the five point scale
DATA ANALYSISDescriptive statistics and simple graphic
analysis were used to analyze the data – mean and frequency distribution bar charts
Results
RESULTS
Results
Results
ResultsAttended Sensitization Session(s) and School
Selected to Pilot STEM Curriculum26% school selected to pilot curriculum 26% participants attended sensitization
session(s)38% of the participants whose schools are
pilot sites attended session(s)74% overall study participants did not attend
sensitization session(s)
Results
NA SD D A SA0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Teachers’ knowledge of STEM
Series1
Knowledge of STEM
I know what STEM means = 60%
I can explain concepts about STEM to my students = 30%
I am aware that STEM is a methodology = 57%
Results
NA SD D A SA0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Teachers’ perception of the status of STEM
Series1
Perception of Status of STEMMOE provides adequate information = 16%Resource persons are available to support
teaching STEM = 26%Teachers are required to use the STEM
curriculum = 19%Teachers are adequately prepared to teach
STEM = 13%
Results
FC CT HE NO0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Teachers’ readiness to deliver the STEM curriculum
Series1
Teachers’ Perception of Preparedness
Prepared to apply scientific principles = food and nutrition
Prepared to apply technological principles = clothing and textiles
Prepared to apply engineering principles = home economics management
Prepared to apply mathematical principles = none
Results
NA SD D A SA0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Teachers’ competence to deliver the STEM curriculum
Series1
Competent to DeliverI can plan lessons using the STEM methodology
= 26%I can teach lessons using the STEM
methodology =26%I can use projects in teaching home economics
= 35%I can design problems to teach home
economics = 45%I can select resources to teach STEM in home
economics = 32%
ConclusionThis reflects individuals’ perceptionPerception affects perceived control/efficacyTeachers are the hardest to adapt to changeThe results are not generalizable The task is re-tooling our teachers
RecommendationsTeacher upgrading: Studies have shown that
professional learning that a) focuses on teachers’ understanding the content they will teach; b) is sustained over time; and c) provides opportunities for professional dialogue and critical reflection, is closely linked to improved student learning (Weiss et al., 1999; Zucker, Shields, Adelman, Corcoran, and Goertz, 1998; U.S.Department of Education, 2000).
RecommendationsTeacher preparation: ensure that training
institutions are abreast of developments in curriculum so student teachers can be adequately prepared
Make the teaching of STEM explicit in delivery
ThanksQuestions?