STEAM Education

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)

STEAM is an approach to education that integrates the core knowledge and skills in the areas of: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

The standards in these strands allow a student's learning to grow and develop across all areas so they can solve problems, with creative solutions, in collaboration with classmates, and the guidance of their teachers.

STEAM can be designed to be flexible, creative, innovative, and disciplined through the use of project based & blended learning, or hands-on approach to real-life applications.

For STEAM education to succeed, it should be fully supported by students, parents, educators, and community leaders.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Reaching out to Parents on STEAM

What is STEAM Education?
  
Most educators would surely be able to, if not answer this question, talk about it with some understanding of it.  Some students would also be able to speak about STEAM to some extent, as they may be participating in such programs at school.  Elected officials, community and business leaders are also becoming increasingly aware of STEAM and the role it is playing in education and employment.

• But how aware are parents of STEAM education?
• Do they truly understand what STEAM is, the effect it is having in education, and how it will help their children with both future education and employment?
• Do parents assume because this is one of the current buzz words of today, that STEAM has been automatically been implemented in schools?
• Have we, as educators, done enough to reach out to parents on STEAM, and made sure that they are well informed on what is being done at all levels of education, and beyond, with regard to the implementation of STEAM education into everyday activities in school?

It is important that we reach out to parents and share with them the benefits that STEAM brings to the student, the classroom, the school, and the community. Without the support of our parents, STEAM would be missing a key component in its implementation.  As educators, we should do all we can to make sure that we are reaching out to parents.

Here are a few ideas on how educators can reach out to parents and make them aware of the importance of STEAM:

1. Talk to parents.  It is still the best way to communicate.  Educators can engage with parents and inquire if they know or have heard of STEAM education.
2. Encourage students to share with their parents how STEAM plays a role in their education, and how the classroom is acquiring knowledge in STEAM and developing the skills required.
3. Host a STEAM event at your school, where students share some of the work they are doing, and how it relates to STEAM.
4. Invite parents to attend open forums, discussions, trainings, seminars, etc. that are design to share information on STEAM, its benefits, and applications in school and work.
5. Utilize social media to share updates, classwork, reference material, and other information that can engage parents into becoming part of the conversation of STEAM in schools, education, and careers. 

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

STEAM Education Introduction

What is STEAM Education?

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

The theme for the month of February at MRCR Education is STEAM Education.  This is a theme that has been addressed on the blog before, and at the end of this post there is a list of links to prior postings on this theme.  MRCR Education encourages all to further research this theme as it can be beneficial to those taking part in education.

Definition

STEAM Education is composed of five strands: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics.  Each of the strands represents a cornerstone upon which education is founded.  STEAM education is a pentagonal approach to education that is beneficial for those who participate in it.

Interconnecting Strands

STEAM Education draws strength in the interconnecting of the five strands that define it.  Only by interconnecting the strands of STEAM education, can we build a foundation, that is strong enough to support a successful education.  To develop successful STEAM education, a plan that interconnects the strands that make up STEAM education must be developed.

Collaboration

STEAM Education depends on the collaboration of all who participate in it.  Just as the strands must be interconnected, so must the participants be willing to work in collaboration with each other.  Collaboration allows for STEAM education to grow and expand so that others can learn and become involved in it.

STEAM Education is beneficial to those who are taking part in education.  MRCR Education believes that STEAM Education is good and can be beneficial.  STEAM Education is worth pursuing, and should be pursued by educators, so that it may share its benefits with the community in the future.

Prior Posts on STEAM Education:

STEAM Education

Understanding STEAM Education

STEAM Education Curriculum

Benefits of STEAM Education

Copyright 2013. MRCR Educational Consulting Firm. All Rights Reserved.