841
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
STEM EDUCATION

Mathematics pre-service teachers’ preparation program for designing STEM based lesson plan: enhanced skills and challenges

Article: 2320467 | Received 14 Aug 2023, Accepted 13 Feb 2024, Published online: 28 Feb 2024
 

Abstract

Due to the increasing popularity of STEM education, preservice preparation colleges have also become more important for training teachers. This study involved (25) preservice teachers completing STEM-based lesson plan training sessions during a mathematics teaching methods course. This study seeks to describe and gather opinions regarding the planning skills that have been enhanced following the training session. Furthermore, it aims to explore the challenges teachers face when developing STEEM lesson plans. The study adapted a descriptive qualitative research method. We collected data using semi structured open-ended questions during one-on-one interviews. Analysis of the results showed that STEM based training enhanced STEM lesson planning skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills, according to the results. Results showed that preservice teachers faced challenges such as limited interdisciplinary knowledge, lack of role models or mentors, and lack of STEM materials and technology during the developing STEM-based lesson plans. The study recommended the integration of STEM into classroom settings during the internship period and other preservice teaching courses.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noha Alrwaished

Noha Rashed Alrwaished is an Associate Professor in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum in the College of Education at Kuwait University. She earned her PhD from the University of Manchester. Her research focuses on mathematics education, curriculum and instruction focusing in technology.