Empowering STEM-teachers: towards an interdisciplinary STEM didactic

Many studies show that only a small number of secondary school students choose STEM-related studies after high school. One of the indicated reasons is that STEM in secondary school is divided in the different disciplines and taught as such. In order to accomplish motivating and challenging STEM education in which pupils acknowledge the relevance and the interaction amongst the disciplines, an integrated STEM approach is crucial. In this research project we aim to develop such an integrated STEM course for future STEM teachers. In a preliminary study we investigated the view of STEM educators on the current and ideal teaching of STEM courses. The results clearly show that for all disciplines the current approach focuses on specific discipline knowledge and algorithmic problem solving. All experts indicate the need of a transfer to a more interdisciplinary STEM approach which focuses on developing problem solving techniques, conceptual thinking, linking different STEM disciplines and context rich learning environments. The main goal of the interdisciplinary STEM course is to strengthen the PCK of pre-service teachers (specialized in a specific STEM discipline) in order to accomplish an optimal implementation of the interdisciplinary STEM aspects. The general outline of the course is: · Investigation of the current perceptions of students; · Blended modules in mixed discipline student teams in which every interdisciplinary STEM aspect is covered with attention to inquiry based learning and metacognitive understanding; · Implementation of interdisciplinary STEM aspects in internship teaching combined with supervision sessions; · Investigation of perception changes of students.status: publishe