The three teachers had different difficulties when they
used STEM integration. Lacking digital technology
resources (computers and other digital technology devices)
and good STEM curriculum were two biggest barriers for
all three teachers. Besides limited technology resources in
their school, Amy and Nate talk about the need for STEM
integration curricula that are divided by grade and subject.
They think curricula and curricular alignment would be
really helpful for them to see a whole picture how their
subjects line up with other STEM disciplines and how they
can integrate other STEM disciplines within their subjects.
All three teachers gave very positive feedback about how
STEM integration boosts students’ confidence level in
learning science and mathematics. They all believe that
STEM integration helps their students to not be afraid to
make mistakes and to think that they are able to accomplish
something that they could not do before. Additionally, they
believe STEM integration increases students’ interest in
learning more about STEM disciplines, because their
students have fun when they apply STEM integration in
their classroom. Consequently, as Amy suggests, students
show more interest in STEM disciplines as well as give
more consideration to entering STEM fields as their future
careers.
Teachers’ Beliefs about STEM Integration
Professional Development
The STEM professional development program confirmed and enhanced the teachers’ thoughts about STEM
integration. They believed the STEM professional development program provided more opportunities and connections on how to use STEM integration to teach their
subjects. While the professional development program
highlighted ideas of interdisciplinary STEM integration, a
few models of multidisciplinary integration were presented
as well. The findings suggest that teachers will begin doing
STEM integration in the manner which is most comfortable
to them and that this decision is highly correlated to their
beliefs about the value and purpose of STEM integration.