Enhancing Early Childhood Education With Active-Based STEM And STEAM Methods

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education in early childhood education (ECE) is one of the strategies to nurture 21st-century learning skills, mainly critical and creative thinking skills. It takes effort to implement this education approach as teachers and parents have less knowledge on how to deliver the information to the kids. Therefore, several active-based learning methods were introduced to ease the learning process and make it memorable. This study discusses the advantages of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and STEAM education in ECE and the effects of active-based learning commonly used in delivering STEM and STEAM education. STEM and STEAM education in ECE can train kids to develop better scientific skills while simultaneously expanding their creativity limitless. Meanwhile, the four types of active-based learning methods have scientifically proven that kids’ participation in STEM and STEAM areas has enhanced teamwork, increased motivation, and improved interpersonal and soft skills among kids.