The education industry in India needs a turnaround, and STEM education has the potential to do that. STEM education is the need of the hour for the education industry and the schools in India. It transforms students from being mere users of technology to becoming future innovators.
There are two types of learning methods – Rote learning and STEM learning
Rote learning
- This is the traditional learning method of memorization of concepts and information by repeating it again and again.
- For example, memorizing the formulae, mathematical tables, poems, etc.
- Rote learning has been followed in India for many decades and even continues today.
- A major drawback of this learning method is that the learners do not have a complete understanding and knowledge of a particular subject.
- The learners fail to identify and create a connection between two concepts.
- This is the reason why STEM learning is far more superior to the memorization-based learning method.
STEM education
- STEM education is all about ‘learning by doing’ and not by memorization.
- STEM education includes four major academic disciplines – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- The four academic disciplines that are a part of STEM learning are the main driving forces of the global economy and help maintain the well-being of society at large.
- A prediction made by the National Science Foundation suggests that nearly 80 percent of the jobs in the future will need applicants to have STEM skills.
- STEM learning enables students to become the leaders of tomorrow, by making them proficient in STEM skills that will be in great demand in the years ahead.
- STEM education is the road to a better future, not just for the students but for the entire society.
Benefits of STEM education in India
- STEM learning activities help students develop critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and a high creativity quotient.
- STEM education makes use of a framework that promotes learning by doing in children. This practical based approach improves the decision-making and strategizing skills of learners.
- STEM learning activities teach various skills to the learners – logical reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, creativity, inquiry, collaboration, and many others.
- With the help of STEM learning, children are able to understand how exactly a gadget or device which they use in day-to-day life functions.
- STEM learning is all about experimenting. This helps children to find alternative solutions to their problems.
- Performing STEM learning activities together in a group promotes team spirit and teamwork in children.
- Children can apply the STEM skills learned in the classroom to solve real-world problems and challenges.
Understanding the importance of STEM education in India
- The importance of STEM education in India for young learners is clearly evident from the fact that the Government of India has launched the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog.
- The main purpose of the AIM initiative is to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the country.
- Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) is established in eligible schools in India.
- ATL labs are fully equipped with the latest tools and ultra-modern facilities for STEM learners.
- ATL labs have DIY STEM kits, tools for 3D printing, electronic sensors, mechanical and electronic prototyping tools, lab equipment, safety and consumables, and many other things.
- Using various tools and equipment, students can perform different STEM learning activities that are beyond their textbook curriculum and acquire new knowledge.
- In order to establish an ATL lab, NITI Aayog has certain criteria and guidelines which the schools must fulfill.
AI School of India’s AI LAB – Promoting futuristic learning in children
- AI LAB is a state-of-the-art platform for the learners developed by our team at AI School of India.
- The main purpose of this platform is to provide young minds with a transformational experience of AI and coding education.
- Through this experiential and hands-on AI learning experience, schools in India can take their existing classroom learning to a completely new dimension.
- Our AI LAB helps integrate artificial intelligence as a part of the school curriculum so that children are able to learn about AI and how they can create an impact with it in the real-world.
Considering that India is one of the countries around the world that has the highest number of engineers and scientists, STEM education has to become an integral part of the curriculum in various schools in India. Also, due to the rising popularity and demand for STEM skills in various industries globally, it makes sense to impart STEM learning to children right from a young age.
