THE STATUS, OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND SOME LESSONS LEARNED OF IMPLEMENTION OF STEM EDUCATION IN SOME HIGH SCHOOLS IN THAI NGUYEN PROVINCE

Abstract

This article presents the current situation, opportunities and challenges when implementing STEM education at high schools in Thai Nguyen province and some neighboring provinces. The difficulties in the process of implementing STEM seminars at high schools are typified and the authors recommend corresponding solutions to overcome problems such as lack of funding, lack of facilities, lack of determination, direction... Changing the attitude of teachers is an important reason of successful implementation. However, it is necessary to change the educational program architecture and the form of assessment. We should also mention four indispensable steps including: create value, create environment, create market, create demand for STEM learning from society like we did. The STEM teaching model that we built has not only been well received by high schools in Thai Nguyen province but also transferred to partners in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with thousands of high school teachers and students participating in seminars, conferences, competitions, and STEM festivals. Thai Nguyen University of Technology has pioneered in bringing STEM education to society over the years together by sponsoring a large number of teaching materials which cost hundreds of million dongs.