ChildForum Office of Pre-Primary Education

ChildForum Office of Pre-Primary EducationLead advisor on early childhood care and education 
National membership organisation
Publisher of the New Zealand-International Research in Early Childhood Journal

 

STEM in Early Childhood Education: Using the inquiry approach to scaffold learning

Details
Category: 2018, NZIRECE Journal, No. 2

Full reference
Roberts, P. & Knaus, M. (2018). STEM in Early Childhood Education: Using the inquiry approach to scaffold learning. NZ International Research in Early Childhood Education Journal, 21(2), 71-84. Retrieved from https://www.childforum.com/research/2018-issue2-nz-international-research-ece-journal/1652-stem-inquiry-approach-scaffold-learning.html

PDF copies of articles are available for personal use - go to the ChildForum Store page 

NZ Int Reseach ECE journal pic

Original Commentary Paper
© ChildForum

STEM in Early Childhood Education: Using the inquiry approach to scaffold learning

Pauline Roberts & Marianne Knaus
Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia

Abstract

STEM education is gaining worldwide attention due to its perceived links with economic growth and prosperity of developed countries. Research also indicates the significance of integrating the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics as beneficial in enhancing children’s knowledge, skills and dispositions. Although the focus on these areas is usually targeted at the primary and high school years, this commentary paper argues that not only is it important to start STEM education in early childhood settings but that it is a natural connection. STEM aligns closely with early childhood pedagogy of hands-on exploration and the integration of learning across areas using an inquiry approach. Outlined in this paper are ways that STEM and the inquiry-based process can be successfully implemented into early childhood settings. It also identifies how early childhood educators can perhaps position themselves in the current debate.

Key words: STEM, inquiry-based, pedagogy, maths, science, technology, engineering.

 

READ MORE

Oops ... you are not logged on. Don't miss out!  

To keep reading, you need to login Smile

Not a member?  Look below ↓ for the click here button below ↓   It will take you to the membership page to choose your own unique username and password.

Are you interested in joining us? 
Become a member and also gain access to our significant online knowledge base 

CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Membership Options

Personal
Membership

Who is this for?
Ideal for parents, students, teachers, researchers, teacher educators, policy analysts and children's specialists.
$98.00 12 months from the date of joining
or for students $60.00 short-term 6 month access.
Your own personal username and password.
Click Here to Read More and Join

ECE Service 
Group Membership

Who is this for?
A service that has licenced one or more ECE services with the Ministry of Education (including home-based, parent, and teacher-led).
Starting from $198.00. Provides 12 months membership from the date of joining.
A shared username and password for your service group.
Click Here to Read More and Join

NZ-International Research in
ECE Journal Subscription

Who is this for?
Libraries, universities, polytechnics and organisations wishing to have access to the NZIRECE published journal and its articles.
$150.00 annual renewable in November each year.
A username and password or IP address access.
Click Here to Read More and Join