STEM PRISTUP U PODUČAVANJU MATEMATIKE
STEM - APPROACH TO TEACHING MATHEMATICS

Author(s): Aida Rizvanović, Belma Alihodžić
Subject(s): School education
Published by: UNIVERZITET U SARAJEVU – PEDAGOŠKI FAKULTET
Keywords: STEM; active learning; teaching preparation;
Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses new approaches to education aimed at developing students' STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) competences. The particular use case is the process of teaching Mathematics. A significant shift in the approaches to teaching and learning processes can be observed at all levels of education. The shift is a consequence of the emerging complex challenges of contemporary societies which are cultural, economic, 98technological, social, and global. The European Commission (EC) has identified STEM skills and competences as crucial for the economic development of a country. STEM is a way of teaching based on an interdisciplinary approach that is closely related to situations and problems from everyday life. The progress in science, technology and economics comes from the knowledge that has been successfully applied. The economic indicators point to the conclusion that Bosnia and Herzegovina is far from an economy based on knowledge. The unintegrated and heavily-administered education system is one of the reasons, as the curricula are not well adjusted to fit the economy based on knowledge. This opens the space in education system for an inclusion of STEM skills and competences, and thoroughly and systematically encouraging their adoption and development from early days of learning. The goal of this paper is to provide a framework for teachers, which could serve as a set of ideas and guidelines towards more creative and innovative approach to teaching Mathematics to highschool students (age 15-18) aimed at developing their STEM skills. We present an example of a lecture on exponential function, structured around clearly identifed learning outcomes. We introduce the exponential function to students by using methods of active learning that enable them to demonstrate creative abilities and skills, while in close association with everyday life and knowledge in other subjects (chemistry, biology, physics, informatics.)

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