What are the Benefits of STEM Integration in Mathematics Classrooms in Underserved Schools? A Literature Review
DOI
10.5703/1288284317451
Document Type
Poster
Abstract
The importance of mathematics education and STEM education in K-12 education in the United States is peaking. High stakes testing and focus on 21st Century skills have many schools scrambling to increase test scores while better preparing their students for the “real world.” This literature review looks at the history of STEM education in the United States and the recent focus on STEM integration into core individual subject classrooms, especially mathematics. This review also analyzes the effectiveness of STEM integration to help students from underserved schools and communities. While there is some evidence that engaging and responsive after-school STEM programs have contributed to reducing the achievement gap between low-income and high-income students (National Research Council, 2015), there are few studies that look at the effectiveness of STEM integration in the classroom to reduce these gaps, specifically in mathematics classrooms. This research brief gives an overview of the existing research regarding this topic and the overarching question: What are the benefits of STEM integration in mathematics classrooms in underserved schools?
What are the Benefits of STEM Integration in Mathematics Classrooms in Underserved Schools? A Literature Review
The importance of mathematics education and STEM education in K-12 education in the United States is peaking. High stakes testing and focus on 21st Century skills have many schools scrambling to increase test scores while better preparing their students for the “real world.” This literature review looks at the history of STEM education in the United States and the recent focus on STEM integration into core individual subject classrooms, especially mathematics. This review also analyzes the effectiveness of STEM integration to help students from underserved schools and communities. While there is some evidence that engaging and responsive after-school STEM programs have contributed to reducing the achievement gap between low-income and high-income students (National Research Council, 2015), there are few studies that look at the effectiveness of STEM integration in the classroom to reduce these gaps, specifically in mathematics classrooms. This research brief gives an overview of the existing research regarding this topic and the overarching question: What are the benefits of STEM integration in mathematics classrooms in underserved schools?