Evaluating Resources for Stem - Which Resources Should YOU Include?
Updated: Apr 26
When building a learning environment conducive to science, technology, engineering, and math, we need to draw upon all realms of learning, high and low tech, to achieve our ends.
Its undeniable that in our current media climate, more emphasis than ever is placed on learning from the digital landscape. This is true now more than any time before. Other methods are falling by the wayside as opposed to the internet. Research from the University of Cologne in Germany was conclusive:
Consistent understanding is crucial for teacher training and further education so that teachers' necessary competencies in this area can be defined and promoted in a targeted manner. Empirical approaches to corresponding measuring and testing must also be able to draw on a consistent definition of the construct.
The Importance of Engaging Educational Resources
Students do no need both engaging and accurate educational resources to ensure success. This can meet diverse learning styles, enhance understanding with better visual aids, and increase motivation - as engaging educational resources inspire curiousity and propel students to actively participate.
Moreover, you as an educator need to ensure you're keeping up with these resources. It's important that your resources are well-researched and informed. A paper from Michigan State University summarized this problem well:
Educators’ research use includes engagement with research to consider new ideas, the application of research to decision-making about programs or practices, or the use of evidence-based programs or practices. There are many documented reasons why educators do not commonly use research about mental health programming. For example, educators often express distrust in using research, citing the advantages of using other forms of evidence such as personal experience...
The scope of this paper covered among other things, mental health research as it relates to educators and their classrooms. The paper also analyzed "relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and trialability - in the context of research use..." The bottom line - educators aren't infallible, and it's important in today's digital age that we don't fall pray to misinformation or rely too heavily on anecdotes when teaching.
High-Tech Resources for STEM Classrooms
These resources can be called upon to enhance your STEM classroom.
1. Interactive Websites and Platforms
Here are some reliable, time-tested websites that can supplement the learning experience:
Khan Academy: This is a free online classroom with a gigantic archive of videos and an emphasis on interaction.
Quizlet: An engaging tool for both teachers and students that allow the user to make their own quizzes and flash cards.
Edmodo: A collaborative tool for students, parents and educators to share ideas and communicate effectively.
2. Educational Apps
Many students prefer engaging digitally through mobile devices and their applications. These are some of the most popular apps that facilitate learning:
Duolingo: A lanugage-based application that teaches users a diverse collection of languages at various tiers and pricing.
ScratchJr: A playful programming platform for students who want to learn to make their own games, animation, and more.
Google Classroom: A sire designed to streamline collaboration between teachers and students. Great for notification and file-sharing.
3. Online Courses and Webinars
Online courses and webinars provide opportunities for both teachers and students to learn from experts in various fields. Some platforms to consider include:
4. Multimedia Resources
Multi-Media resources enhance any learning experience. Here are some of the top varities:
Videos: Teachers can use resources like Ted-Ed or YouTube to supplement their lessons and engage students.
Podcasts: Podcasts have a reputation for being entertaining, but there are some great conversations and monologues on podcasts such as "Stuff You Should Know" and "TED Radio Hour."
Infographics: Visual learning is a helpful medium for many students. Charts, graphs, even simple cartoons are great ways to convey complex ideas.
Laboratory Experience
Many classes across university have "lab" days. In the STEM field, having your students engage directly with science, tech, or engineering projects may help them learn better. Examples include:
1. Computer days for tech students.
2. Shop days for engineering students.
3. Laboratory days for science students.
Low-Tech Options for Engaging Learners
Sometimes, simple learning strategies engage students quickly and accessibly. Here are the best ones:
Libraries: Libraries are a collection of resources. They house books on vast quantities of knowledge, but are also hosts to events, networking opportunities and other educational opportunities.
College / Career Fairs: Many institutions host these events at gatherings of all grade levels. They can connect older students with volunteer and internship opportunities and inspire younger students with future career paths.
Books and Printed Media: Books have been a staple of learning for thousands of years. Not only do they transmit knowledge, they are a glimpse into our understanding at the time they were written.
Guest Lectures: Sometimes, an experienced individual coming to the class to do a lecture, demonstration or Q&A can bring practical knowledge into the classroom.
Field Trips: Hands-on experience and direct contact with interesting locations can be some of the most insightful knowledge a student can obtain.
Even with low-technology resources, it's important to ensure the reliability of the information contained within.
Works cited:
Heine S, Krepf M, König J. Digital resources as an aspect of teacher professional digital competence: One term, different definitions - a systematic review. Educ Inf Technol (Dordr). 2023;28(4):3711-3738. doi: 10.1007/s10639-022-11321-z. Epub 2022 Sep 30. PMID: 36196245; PMCID: PMC9523172.
Neal JW, Neal ZP, Lawlor JA, Mills KJ, McAlindon K. What Makes Research Useful for Public School Educators? Adm Policy Ment Health. 2018 May;45(3):432-446. doi: 10.1007/s10488-017-0834-x. PMID: 29124526; PMCID: PMC5878984.