The natural world around us can be best explained with a good understanding of subjects including biology, chemistry, mathematics, and others. Scientists and researchers evaluate specific phenomena that add to knowledge and provide a deeper insight into the universe’s workings. Parents continually urge their teens to excel in STEM subjects that include:
S – Science: This subject encompasses disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, focusing on the study and understanding of the natural world.
T – Technology: This field refers to the application of knowledge to devise tools, systems, and processes that help solve problems and improve human capabilities. This would therefore include computer science, programming, and information technology.
E - Engineering: This includes designing, building, and maintaining structures, machines, and systems; using scientific and mathematical principles to achieve practical solutions.
M – Mathematics: The bedrock for quantitative reasoning and quantification provides a ramp for access to all other STEM disciplines through rigorous logical problem-solving and precise calculations.
Whether teaching children to memorize facts and formulas, STEM education builds these essential skills needed for success. Instead, encourage curiosity and the long-term value of education related to STEM. More importantly, most children learn differently, so adapting teaching methods to suit their interests and style of learning can make a difference. This is why the following are important:
Critical thinking: These students are encouraged to question, analyze, and evaluate information so that they can make informed decisions pertaining to all areas of life.
Problem-solving: Encourages students to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and test ideas—a highly valuable skill in any career.
Creativity: This encourages creativity in an environment that would yield students thinking out of the box, finding new methods to solve a problem, and creating solutions never known before.
Innovation: This enables the development of a continuous improvement attitude by creating new ideas, products, and processes that advance human well-being.
Analytical thinking: Complex information breakdown, recognition of patterns, and logical inferences are necessary to analyze data and make decisions.
Collaboration: The program prepares students to work as teams, communicate, share ideas, and realize common goals in a cooperative environment.
Many students find it pretty hard to learn Math and science subjects. It may be tricky to get teens interested in STEM subjects, though it is possible with the right approach.
Relate to their interests: Make the instruction of STEM concepts connect to things they are interested in or like doing. Those interests include video games, music, sports, and even fashion. For instance, physics is a skateboard trick, and technology is their favorite music production software.
Bring real-world impact: Demonstrate how skills in STEM have improved the human condition in climate change, medical sciences, and technological innovation to help them realize that such skills make a difference in the world.
Show career opportunities: Show them the possibilities of a diversified, exciting, well-paying career path with a focus on STEM fields. It will inspire them to be interested in these subjects where they open opportunities for a future career.
It is not that studying STEM subjects involves a lot of effort. Consistency is the key to succeeding and excelling in these subjects. Most importantly, parents can play a great role in helping their children succeed in STEM subjects. The following are ways to encourage the interest of the teens:
Hands-on experiments & projects: Engage teens in activities that make STEM concepts tangible, such as building robots, conducting science experiments, or designing apps.
STEM kits & games: Provide kits, toys, or games that explore imagination, creativity, and problem-solving.
Field trips & experiences: Take students to science museums, technology companies, or engineering firms for exposure to real-life situations that trigger curiosity.
Encouragement is the key: Let them solve their problems. Help the children break up complicated problems into simpler parts and then create creative solutions for them.
Normalize failure: Let your child know that failure is part of the learning experience. Teach resilience and a growth mindset.
Stay in touch with teachers: Keep in touch with their teachers to understand better the teachers' assessment of their STEM-related strengths and weaknesses.
Celebrate achievements: The successes, however small, have to be recognized and appreciated for building confidence and keeping them motivated.
Parents should encourage their teens into STEM-related fields to encourage curiosity and the long-term value of education. More importantly, most children learn differently, so adapting teaching methods to suit their individual interests and styles of learning can make a difference.