S.T.E.M has become S.T.E.A.M in many places. Yes, parents, teachers, administrators and educators are all talking about these things. There's a big push on getting kids interested in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Art is the newest entrant to this acronym. At the younger ages where the streams are not differentiated, many kids like science. As the kids grow, their interest in science wanes. The reasons are many. One of the biggest reasons is that it stops being fun. As simple as that. A good teacher who's deeply involved in teaching can keep the kids interested in science.
Three things that can be done to keep kids interested in science:
1. Teachers must innovate
With changing technology, teachers have started using it to keep the kids hooked on science. Many teachers who are interested in learning new thing have actually learnt to gamify parts of the curriculum. They get the kids to play the games and develop an interest in what is being taught. Other teachers use educational science games in the classroom. As many teachers make their own worksheets, a new space where teachers can pay teachers to use their worksheets has been created. Some teachers take the kids out of the classroom to the real world for observation. They get the kids involved in noting down their observations and exchanging information with others to understand the larger picture.
2. Parents must be kept involved
There was a time when the work of schools and parents was completely separated. Nowadays schools make sure parents are fully involved. Results are sent automatically to parents. They come into school for discussions about a child's progress and the collective goal is to get the kids interested in learning. In fact many schools have started libraries on school premises where parents and kids can spend time together reading available books. Most importantly teachers need to be aware of the home environment kids go back to. If there are problems which teachers or the school can help with, in a child's best interest the school needs to step forward and help to the best of their availability. Parenting in the digital age might be hard for many parents, but all that they must do is remember that even in the digital age, the real world matters.
3. Take the Kids Out into the Real World
Kids need to spend time in the real world out in nature. They need to feel the grass under their feet and the sun on their faces. We are a part of nature and we should learn more about the world around us. Every bodily sense is challenged out in nature. It helps kids develop better and with fewer sensory problems. When they handle flowers with their bare hands, it's easier for them to understand natural dyes. When they swim in water, they can understand liquids better. When they see things fly in the wind, they understand how things have to be lighter than the wind to be carried away. Things learnt naturally are better understood by kids. Every chance there is, kids must be taken out into the Great Outdoors.
Keeping kids interested in science is easy if certain things are kept in mind. Always remember kids are natural learners and their curiosity helps them learn more.
