STEM for National Development

Mathematics is a hard-to-pass school subject for a large number of students in secondary schools in Nigeria. This may have adverse effect on scientific and technological development of the nation. The trade for the effect is not farfetched; Mathematics is the indispensable tool for learning sciences in particular and it is used in actualisation of technological devices. Aspects such as relations, measurement, arithmetical operations and so on are essentially necessary in this case. Besides, learners who are poor at Mathematics are robbed of benefits derivable from logical, critical and precise thinking the subject develops in the learners. Consequently, critical thinking which is germane to 21st century education and which leads to ability to solve life problems may be lacking if one lacks mathematical skills .
This may be the reason why researchers have been struggling with solutions to identified challenges that impede Students' learning in Mathematics. It is no news that insufficient qualified mathematics teachers, using traditional method of teaching, teaching mathematics in abstraction, negative attitude towards mathematics which is inherited from parents and senior students are parts of problems that lead to students poor performance on mathematics in Nigeria.
Despite numerous research findings and recommendations provided in a bid to improve teaching and learning of mathematics in schools, it is disheartening that the problems of student underachievement still remain . What does this translate to if we still have poor performance in mathematics in secondary, schools, negative attitude towards learning the subject and phobia for mathematics among secondary school students in Nigeria?
Teacher related factors and student related factors have to be addressed properly.

What is STEM?

PUBLIC SCHOOL TERM DATES

ENROLLING IN SCHOOL

FIND A PUBLIC SCHOOL

STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Through STEM, students develop key skills including:

problem solving

creativity

critical analysis

teamwork

independent thinking

initiative

communication

digital literacy.

Why is STEM important?

The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances.

The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Skills developed by students through STEM provide them with the foundation to succeed at school and beyond.

Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high, and will continue to increase in the future. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Australian workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace.

STEM empowers individuals with the skills to succeed and adapt to this changing world.

 





Focus

STEM education as a catalyst for national development

By Iyabo Lawal

24 October 2017 | 2:41 am



Students during their computer lesson

Considering the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to the development of the nation, Star Deep Petroleum Limited, a Chevron company and the Agbami parties in conjunction with the Lagos Business School (LBS) recently held a symposium in Lagos to deliberate on issues bordering on STEM education, the challenges and how to ensure that it is elevated to a national priority. Iyabo Lawal reports

Science in the world over stimulates development, but Nigeria said to be in the league of developing countries has little or no investment in STEM education. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is a global concept that encompasses the processes of critical thinking, analysis, and collaboration. In this period of recession, when it has become necessary to seek alternative sources of boosting the economy,, STEM has been identified as a viable option.

In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but also by what you can do with the knowledge, it is imperative for youths to be equipped with skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. These are the types of skills that students learn through STEM education.

But sadly today, few students pursue expertise in STEM fields while there are also inadequate teachers skilled in those subjects. That is why government and experts in the sector are stepping up measures to increase the number of students and teachers who are proficient in these vital fields.

The need to promote the study of STEM education among our youths formed the fulcrum of the symposium held recently by Star Deep Petroleum limited and Agbami parties, comprising Famfa Oil; Statoil Nigeria Limited and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited.