How to address low participation in STEM subjects (Part One) - Make Creativity the Foundation
By Bede Wolf, Eco-Manufacturing Operations Manager, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is a collection of related mathematical oriented disciplines characterised by understanding of fundamental nature and is used to develop new solutions or capabilities for humankind. If that sounds stuffy, consider that what’s often overlooked is that STEM is underpinned by creativity and imagination; an ability to generate new ideas, fresh approaches or new ways of thinking.
What makes a good STEM student?
Thinking of STEM in terms of creative thinking broadens our perspective on who ‘belongs’ in STEM, and challenges our (unintended) biases on who would make a good candidate. Here are two points to expand:
- Instead of first bolstering their strength or confidence in science and maths, we can instead encourage students in problem solving. This in turn gives rise to those core STEM disciplines as well as providing the motivation to master those disciplines. In short, the sequence moves away from
KNOWLEDGE PRESCRIBED
MEMORIZE EXAMPLE PROBLEM, to
ASSIGNED PROBLEM
IDENTIFY KNOWLEDGE GAP LEARN, which more closely mirrors real life experience in life and in the workforce. - STEM in terms of creative thinking enables us to escape bias. The myth that girls are bad at maths or are not interested in engineering or information and communications technology (ICT) is avoided when considering STEM candidates first and foremost in terms of creativity. Similarly, those without a background or family history in STEM careers are not disadvantaged.
This does not excuse the future STEM student from a thorough understanding of their core discipline, but instead changes the subject from that discipline to the imagination and ingenuity they can contribute in the workplace of tomorrow.
Thinking of STEM this way really opens up candidacy to a much wider group, to help fill the gap in industry in those careers that will contribute towards a better society.
The next blog will outline why diversity is essential to the best group problem solving.