Exploring teachers’ perspectives on using STEM education to develop collaboration skills amongst primary school students.

This qualitative research study explores how collaboration can be developed amongst primary school students using Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Education. Through observations and interviews teachers’ perspectives on collaboration and STEM are explored. Relevant policy and curriculum documents are analysed. Comparisons are made between literature pertaining to collaboration in STEM and data gathered during observations and interviews. The findings of this research are presented using a thematic approach under the themes of ‘The Role of the Teacher’, ‘STEM Pedagogy’, ‘21st Century Skills’ and ‘Group Dynamics’. The findings of this paper highlight the ambiguities around STEM education in the primary school classroom, the benefits to using collaboration and the need for more support to be given to teachers in relation to STEM education. The researcher concludes that collaboration can be developed during STEM lessons when appropriate pedagogical practices are employed.N