Introduction to STEM and STEAM Education and its Real-Life Outcomes

This chapter introduces and lays the foundation for the book, Integrative STEM and STEAM Education for Real-Life Learning. Real-life learning is conceptualized as participation in social life and solving of real-world problems in the present, in contrast to mere preparation for future living. The chapter identifies factors explaining the growing importance of real-life education, and highlights its contemporary practice through integrative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (STEM + A for the arts) education. These factors include reclaiming youth as valuable contributors to social life with substantial potential and talents to solve real-world problems. There is also a growing perception that a variety of global conditions from climate change and scarcity of resources to economic crises and disease (e.g., pandemics) are becoming too threatening to wait any longer to educate and activate the next generation of youth. Thus, the new K-12 student standards call on students to think like real scientists by conducting complete investigations, to develop powers of design thinking, and not only learn about global challenges like climate change, but also learn how to take action. A project-based and design-based approach frequently seen in integrative STEM and STEAM education is fertile grounds for creating and implementing real-life learning experiences that solve real-world problems. The chapter closes with a preview of the topics addressed in the subsequent chapters.