Mathematics and STEM, Preparing Students for Their Future

Our society is changing rapidly under the influence of globalization, robotization and digitalization. In order to prepare students for their future, education will have to change as well. In this chapter we will discuss three changes which are advocated for. The first concerns the well-known call for 21st century skills, the second, a strong emphasis on STEM in light of the central role of STEM in our society, and third, an adaptation of the goals of mathematics education because of the computerization of mathematical calculations. We will especially elaborate on STEM and mathematics. In regard to the former, we question the assertion that STEM disciplines should be taught in an integrated manner. In relation to this, we argue for paying attention to the key characteristics of each of the disciplines and the corresponding cultural practices. Building on the notion of a community of practice we illuminate the need for cultivating classroom social norms in line with the various cultural practices. The goals of mathematics education need revision as mathematics permeates our society, and black-box apparatus are taking over much of the mathematical work. In closing, we discuss the relation between mathematics and STEM education. We notice that longitudinal character of learning mathematics does not sit well with the emphasis on mathematics in service of solving applied STEM problems, and that the field of applications of mathematics is much broader than solely science, technology and engineering.