Shaheer Ahmed
It is no secret that Pakistan’s educational system needs serious overhaul. A few of the issues affecting education in Pakistan include outdated teaching strategies, an unmonitored curriculum, and a generally low standard of instruction. This is in addition to the fact that a significant portion of kids still do not have access to education.
Pakistan should take a cue from other countries around the globe who have invested and innovated in the education sector, and have thus introduced new and improved educational curriculums and teaching methods. One such innovative educational curriculum that has taken the world by storm is STEM education. STEM subjects are essential to every child’s development. STEM topics are an essential component of a child’s education both now and in the future.
In simpler terms, a teaching strategy that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math is known as STEM education. Additionally, it includes art, which broadens the scope of STEM instruction. Children who participate in STEM programmes can become more independent, have their minds developed, become more creative, learn useful skills, and have more success. Children learn more than just math and scientific topics in STEM programmes. They learn a wide range of skills from it, including how to lead, think critically, solve problems, make decisions, be curious, embrace failure and success, and much more.
Why is STEM education important?
STEM is crucial since the world is changing and becoming more and more reliant on current technologies. STEM educates society for the future. The demand for highly skilled people who have a thorough understanding of how the newest modern technology functions and can come up with original solutions is rising as society becomes more innovative. Therefore, STEM education is crucial and important in today’s world.
Some fields of STEM include:
⁃ All types of engineering
⁃ Mathematics
⁃ Natural, physical, or life sciences
⁃ Art/ architecture
⁃ Technology-related disciplines
⁃ Computers or electronics
STEM and its implications in the modern world:
Right now, STEM is getting a lot of attention, and you might be asking why. Even if there is an increase in jobs in engineering and technology, is it truly necessary for all students to acquire STEM subjects?
- The Future of Our Economy Is in STEM Jobs:
Our economy is relying more and more on a strong STEM education. Healthcare occupations, which typically require a strong STEM background, are anticipated to expand even more than STEM occupations, with employment in STEM occupations increasing by 8.8% by 2028. Non-STEM occupations, however, will only expand by 5%.
- STEM Teaches Critical Thinking and Innovation:
Students who do not want to pursue STEM occupations can also benefit from STEM education. Students can form mental habits that will help them thrive in any subject because to the emphasis on logical thought processes and problem-solving.
The STEM curriculum pushes pupils to think critically and develop original answers. Students that acquire a top-notch STEM education are therefore prepared to lead the next generation of innovators.
- Pandemic has Increased its Importance:
The present pandemic has just emphasised how crucial technology is. It’s more crucial than ever for kids to be prepared to utilise and develop technology, with more individuals using Zoom, Slack, and other platforms to connect with friends, family, and coworkers.
Many people and workplaces will continue to use some of their new technological habits even after the pandemic is gone. Students will be prepared for success in 2022 and beyond by laying a solid STEM foundation now.
In order to improve the quality of education in Pakistani schools, critical thinking and scientific knowledge must be integrated with an emphasis on innovation and creativity. Heavy teacher training will be necessary for this, as well as a shift in the ethos of the educational system as a whole, which was founded on rote learning and standardised testing procedures.
The youth of Pakistan will gain from these initiatives’ improvements to the educational system and the adoption of STEM-based education. This will give the nation the chance to boost its economy through the creativity, knowledge, and critical thinking of the young people who are highly skilled and capable.
