By Archana Sali
So, how and where does the STEM mindset stem from?
India Literacy Project believes that STEM is not a class you teach, it is a culture you build.
But what exactly does the STEM mindset inculcate?
A mindset grounded in STEM, above all values the process of inquiry. A mindset grounded in STEM, utilizes the scientific methodology to derive evidence-based conclusions, in order to comprehend the workings of phenomena and determine what to accept, recognize prospects and hazards, make informed decisions, take appropriate measures, and foresee probable outcomes.
India Literacy Project’s Multi-Dimensional Learning Space (MDLS) program encompasses experiential learning, digital classrooms, skill development via ICT, career guidance, and libraries. All in all, a 360-degree approach to augment the STEM culture.
As part of the MDLS program, experiential learning provides comprehensive science lab in a box for grade 5th to 10th and Google earth-based content for Social Science.
The Digital Classrooms aspect of MDLS helps enhance subject competency by providing open source, editable content mapped to the state syllabus guidelines for grades 4th to 10th in Maths, Science and Social Science.
The Skill Development aspect implements ICT in school education by following Technology Assisted Learning Programme (TALP) guidelines and using NCERT-recommended tools.
To augment the STEM mindset, inculcating the reading habit is of utmost importance. And this is done by setting-up child friendly libraries in schools with regular Reading Level Assessments (RLA) being conducted.
And the other important cog in the wheel is the Career Guidance program which uses self-discovery tools and psychometric tests to provide career guidance thereby empowering students to achieve their dreams with confidence.
Cultivating this mindset right from school age not only helps the individual student but also the economy. Especially, in a young country like India with a large youth demographic, STEM education could become a major driver of future economic growth.
Attaining 21st-century competencies and a STEM mindset, characterized by digital proficiency, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills, could empower our young women in particular to create multifaceted futures and careers. This, in turn, could enhance their chances of attaining professional and financial mobility while also developing their ability to question, experiment and foster their individual identity.
In addition to training young men and women, training teachers on alternate teaching methods, along with some form of enablement to support them in becoming change agents is crucial to help boost girls’ interest and confidence and also deal with parents’ awareness of the issues surrounding stereotypes.
India Literacy Project takes pride in having signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka with the aim of reimagining the education system around a STEM framework and the curricula adapted to include critical thinking, a scientific temperament, problem solving skills and aptitude towards creativity and innovation.
The humble stats of setting up Science labs across 10,000 schools benefitting 3 million students prove that STEM education has been a key driver since the last decade and will continue to be a key driver of the future of work.
ILP’s 360-degree approach can support the systemic growth of digital literacy and access to technology in India and trigger a much-needed shift towards making STEM education a reality irrespective of gender.