Benefits of STEM in Schools

What is STEM?

S-T-E-M is an acronym, that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in that discipline. It was first introduced in 2001 by scientific administrators at the U.S National Science Foundation (NSF).

STEM classes develop the soft skill that so many careers need; it encompasses hands-on and engaging subjects in our schools. Non-STEM fields recruit graduates with STEM degrees because they possess skills that students(who attend schools that understand the benefits of stem in schools) from other areas have not developed. STEM skills naturally lead to more captivating performance, polished presentation and so on. Despite all of this, STEM scares many students because they perceive it as being too tricky and tragically tedious – This is not the case.

Check out these benefits of STEM in schools and clear up any misconception.

1. Students cope better in school:

Students who are introduced to STEM are more prepared to face challenges in Non-STEM subjects because they were introduced at an early stage. They develop problem-solving skills, perform better at analyzing problems and find ways to either correct or overcome them. The world has progressed drastically due to innovative technologies and ideas. STEAM creates a platform for students to be innovative, getting them to think outside the box. Many careers require advanced scientific and mathematical knowledge. Being introduced to science and math at an early age will give students the much needed advantage

2. Boosts confidence and gives a higher income:

STEM education gives students the edge to flourish in any chosen career. Students are usually given a hands-on opportunity in STEM activities. This knowledge boosts their confidence as they can deliver on whatever they have been assigned. Who wouldn’t want to have 90% of their students excel in their chosen career after they have graduated from their school due to the problem-solving skills they have acquired.

STEM-related careers also pay better than non-STEM occupations; This is mostly because traditionally non-tech industries are ramping up in-house departments where STEM skills are in demand. You may have noticed this in companies around you: manufacturing businesses no longer exclusively hire engineers or those with backgrounds in manufacturing. STEM professionals are in demand for monitoring cyber-security, IT services and expanding digitization, among other things. Due to the need for STEM expertise, the take home is naturally high.

3. More opportunities present:

As previously mentioned, STEM education is no longer only valuable in tech industries, but traditionally non-tech fields as well. Another one of the benefits that a STEM background presents is more mobility when it comes to your employment. Refining these skills in school will allow you to have a more significant segment of the job market opened to you. Some companies even offer enhancements to your STEM education through specific training based on job skills.

Another reason there are more opportunities present for STEM students compared to others is that there are still too few students pursuing these degrees in Nigeria. The output from educational institutions in STEM programs always does not add up to the number of STEM jobs that are available and need to occupied, which means more job availability and less competition for these applicants. When determining which university degree makes the highest salaries in their first five years of employment, STEM majors is one of the tops on the list.

4. Helps students stay current and be innovative:

Technology is always changing and, used in almost every aspect of our lives. As workplaces change with updated software, and office equipment and machinery become more touch screen, STEM knowledge is vital. Keeping up with technology is highly essential and help students to be creative; this is one of the many benefits of STEM education. As workplaces change with updated software, office equipment and, machinery become more advanced, STEM knowledge is vital.

Ironically, According to the NY Times, creativity is also the result of a STEM education!, The directors of engineering graphics at the University of Illinois, James Michael Leake, opined that learning to make even rudimentary drawings is critical to the development of an engineer. Design can help students understand how to use the space within the structure effectively. An example can be an app that allows you to take a picture of a piece of clothing and finds clothes that look similar on the web.

You can also help your students to develop good reading habits, here’s what you stand to gain

5. It’s a growing field and shapes the world:

One of the cases made for STEM careers is that alongside their forecasted growth rates, employers are willing to pay for workers that possess this background. In other words, the time and money spent on a STEM education will have a higher value in the long run when compared to different paths of study. 

Share any other benefits of stem in schools you know of in the comment section.

Do you think STEM Should be encouraged in Schools? What are YOUR Reasons? Go ahead and comment below!