The impact of globalization on the development of educational policy, 21st century learning, and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Costa Rican schools

2015-04-24The purpose of this study was to understand the influence of globalization, foreign direct investment, and multinational corporate responsibility on the curriculum and teaching practices in Costa Rican K–12 schools. The study was also designed to understand the relationships among the Ministry of Education, Coalicion Costarricense de Iniciativas de Desarrollo (CINDE), and Intel with respect to the development of 21st‐century skills and interest in project‐based learning (PBL) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in K–12 schools. The study examined the relationship between STEM education and Costa Rica’s economic growth. The study examined how the mandated national science and technology fair influences the use of PBL to build human capital and prepare students for 21st‐century jobs, particularly in STEM. The theoretical frameworks for this qualitative study were based on work by Friedman, Spring, Wagner, and Slough and Milam. The analysis of data gathered through interviews, observations, and surveys revealed that globalization has a great impact on economy, education, and opportunities for peoples in Costa Rica. The study also revealed that, since entering into partnerships with MNCs, Costa Rica has produced knowledge‐ready workers with 21st‐century skills to compete in the global job market. The study identified the role that STEM education and PBL have played in development of students’ 21st‐century skills. This study is significant as it presents a case for partnership by educators, policy makers, and industry leaders to develop educational practices that promote 21st‐century skills through the teaching of STEM through PBL in K−12 schools. The study showed the importance of developing a knowledge‐based sector as a way to increase production and economic well‐being for the individual and for a nation