Many scholars claimed the integration of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) education is beneficial to the national economy and teachers and
institutes have been working to develop integrated education programs. This study
examined a project-based learning (PjBL) activity that integrated STEM using survey and
interview methods. The participants were 30 freshmen with engineering related backgrounds
from five institutes of technology in Taiwan. Questionnaires and semi-structured
interviews were used to examine student attitudes towards STEM before and after the PjBL
activity. The results of the survey showed that students’ attitudes to the subject of engineering
changed significantly. Most of the students recognized the importance of STEM in
the science and engineering disciplines; they mentioned in interview that the possession of
professional science knowledge is useful to their future career and that technology may
improve our lives and society, making the world a more convenient and efficient place. In
conclusion, combining PjBL with STEM can increase effectiveness, generate meaningful
learning and influence student attitudes in future career pursuit. Students are positive
towards combining PjBL with STEM.
關聯:
International Journal of Technology and Design Education. 21(1) (SCI)
