Expert Viewpoint

The Importance of STEM in the Classroom

• By Christine McDonnell
• 01/14/20

According to a study from LinkedIn, the most in-demand job skills in 2017 included cloud computing, statistical analysis and app development. What do these skills have in common? They all incorporate STEM.

STEM is an acronym in education that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM learning, however, extends beyond these technical fields. The computational thinking and problem solving skills learned in STEM courses can be applied in any career. As STEM skills become more prevalent in the workforce, it is imperative that educators introduce these ideas at a young age.

STEM offers an approach to education that values college and career readiness, preparing students for their lives beyond the classroom. Looking forward, the importance of STEM in the classroom will rise as educators look to better prepare students for their futures.

What’s coming in 2020

STEM is a part of our daily lives, and in 2020, education will increasingly reflect this fact. STEM learning will leverage technology in the classroom to nurture skills that students will need in their future careers.

Computer Science is STEM, and as such is well suited to prepare students for college, career, and beyond. Since Codelicious is a provider of computer science curriculum, I will speak specifically to the importance of STEM through the lens of Computer Science.

STEM and Social-Emotional Learning

STEM curriculum includes opportunities to reinforce social-emotional learning competencies and helps develop and apply skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, maintain positive relationships and increase problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. When computer science and STEM curricula are taught only in front of a tablet or computer, it can be very isolating. But when the curricula incorporates engaged learning with interactive activities, critical thinking discussions, and interactive problem solving, students gain the skills necessary for social-emotional growth.

STEM in the Classroom

Educators will better integrate STEM curriculum into the school day. The number of states accelerating computer science into the classroom has doubled since last year. All 50 states are advancing policies that support computer science in schools. While each implementation will be unique to the needs of the state, district and school, the decision-making process will include core questions like:

• Who will teach computer science?

• How will we teach computer science?

• How will computer science curriculum resonate with our students?

Computer science curriculum in all grades should be customized for the pacing, instructional needs and desired outcomes of each classroom. Further, curriculum customization enables educators to teach computer science while engaging students of all learning types.

Administrator Support

With the acceleration of STEM, and specifically computer science, into the classroom, administrators are challenged with questions like:

• Who will teach computer science?

• How will they teach computer science?

• How will computer science curriculum resonate with students?

Administrators should begin by setting the district vision.

• Will STEM reinforce social-emotional competencies?

• Will it be integrated with math and language arts?

• Will it introduce students to foundational skills or provide more advanced options?

In line with this overall vision, administrators should choose curriculum that empowers the educator, is compliant with education standards, and results in measurable student outcomes. These three components bring STEM curriculum out of the isolation of self-paced learning and into the highly impactful, engaged learning classroom.

As we move into a new decade, it is imperative that students leave the classroom prepared for college and/or careers. No matter their path, early access to STEM programs provides opportunities to tackle real-world problems in educational settings. This foundation allows students to explore thought processes and social emotional interactions in new/different ways, preparing them to become not only successful employees but also successful adults.

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About Christine

Christine McDonnell is the CEO and Co-Founder of Codelicious, a provider of full-year computer science curriculum which is project-based, teacher-led, and aligned to CSTA standards. Christine graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University with Bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and earned her MBA in Corporate Strategy and Marketing from the University of Michigan. Prior to Codelicious, Christine led her own consulting practice, McDonnell & Associates, which focused on counseling high-growth technology ventures. Additionally, Christine served as Vice President of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, leading the team that developed the strategic vision and operating model for what is now the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. She also held leadership positions at McKinsey & Company and DuPont and is a member of Women in High Tech. Christine is passionate about creating access and removing barriers to teaching and learning computer science in schools. You can connect with Christine on LinkedIn or Codelicious.com.

About Codelicious

Codelicious provides a holistic approach to integrating computer science into the classroom, fully complies with computer science education standards, and delivers measurable student outcomes. Through Codelicious’ full-year computer science curriculum, educators provide students of all learning styles opportunities to master critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while enabling college and career readiness. Codelicious computer science curriculum is licensed to K-HS schools and districts nationwide.