Keeping Up With Global Competition

In earlier centuries with Columbus the student learner was the explorer of knowledge in geography, medicine and the stars.  In later centuries student became knowledge accumulators. In the current century we see a large shift in the way students learn.   Educators are faced with a generations of learners who are more digital minded.   According to Thomas Friedman in the video “The World is Flat”, three technology events changed the world. The introduction of the personal computer, internet, and software allows more peoples the ability to communicate, share, and compete.  However, “not enough young people are being educated or inspired about interest in advance math, science, and engineering” ( Traurig & Feller ,2010).  This lack of preparation cause student to loss interest in career in science, math, and technology.

In order to grow student interest in STEM careers, student must be prepared in elementary, middle and high school.  Research has shown that the most learning happens when students are engaged in activities that require them to think like real life STEM professionals (Traurig & Feller, 2010). The National Science foundation estimates that 80% of the jobs in the next decade will require some form of math and science skill. In order for our students to be competitive in this new century, they must have an education that prepares them for the jobs of their future.

Currently, the shift in the economy has forced educational system to limit the availability of the technology need to run a success STEM program.  In addition, funding for classes in the preforming ARTS have been decreased.   This lack of balance hinders the education of the whole student body.  STEM education is designed to teach the whole student body. It allows student to use their critical thinking skills in conjunction with their creative skills.  All students will benefit from a well-organized STEM program because it allows student to think independently while exploring deeper into a subject utilizing critical thinking.  Students will also be able to work collaboratively in groups or independently.

All students benefit from the STEM program because it teaches independent innovation and allows students to explore greater depths of all of the subjects by utilizing the skills learned; these skills are going to be required in order for today’s students to be tomorrow’s global leaders. All jobs are requiring workers to have a greater ability to think critically, work as a member of a team and independently, and close the performance gap between our American students and those being produced in other countries. Since, “many of the careers of the future will require that students have the ability to collaborate and solve problems using STEM skills” it is important the local state leader put more into educating our students.  In order for STEM to work it must be available to all students.  This process has already began on the federal level.  President Obama refers to STEM as America’s Sputnik.  He see STEM as a way for Americans “to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world”. AS a result President Obama vowed to “prepare 100,000 new teachers in the fields of science and technology and engineering and math.".   

References


Obama, B. (2011, January 25). Remarks by the President in State of Union Address. Speech presented at United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. [Transcript]. Retrieved November 11, 2011 from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/25/remarks-president-state-union-address



Traurig, A., & Feller, R. (2010). Preparing students for STEM careers. National Career Development Association. Retrieved from http://www.associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/6234/_PARENT/layout_details


Aarons, D. I. (2008). New skills seen essential for global competition. Education Week, 28(4), 12.