Incorporating project-based learning and mentorship into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education can boost students' interest, and ultimately, their academic achievement in those areas, panelists said during a discussion at SXSWedu on March 4.
"This country is in the throes of a crisis—an education crisis," said Marcia Wade Talbert, Black Enterprise Magazine's technology editor. She explained that according to a national assessment, less than one-third of U.S. eighth-graders show proficiency in math and science.
Education experts at the panel, "Nation In Decline: Why We Suck at Science and Math," discussed potential solutions that have been offered by some STEM programs that aim to even out the achievement gap.
Programs have presence in local schools
In Austin ISD, STEM programs already exist at some campuses including Akins High School and Eastside Memorial High School. At an AISD presentation and discussion Feb. 21, STEM was discussed among the options for academic programming of a potential future high school in South Austin.
The STEM design being considered for the South High School would implement Project Lead The Way courses, which aim to help students make connections between STEM principles and problem-solving, according to AISD.
The school would also work to provide hands-on learning as well as opportunities for partnerships, internships and mentorships with local engineering and biomedical science businesses, which are all key components SXSW panelists mentioned should be a focus for educators in the future.
Reigniting the STEM spark
SciTech Educational Solutions founder Kim Magloire said many students, especially girls, lose interest in science as they get older.
"We have to find out what their interests are and what their needs are," she said, explaining that female students are intrigued when they are offered the chance to construct their own dollhouses and decide what lights up at the push of a button.
Similarly, she said 3D printers, which can produce three-dimensional models of objects based on data, can be used to teach students about geometry and science.
She also demonstrated another tool she described as "wire in a paint form" that can be used to draw images that illuminate when they come into contact with a battery.
"Right away, [students] want to know how that works," she said. "In 10 minutes, they will understand what a circuit is, whereas if you sit a classroom and go, 'The positive and and the negative end,' you've lost them."
Project SYNCERE Founder Jason Coleman said his nonprofit organization has established STEM-focused programs for African-American male students in Chicago.
He noted the importance of mentorship, and said the organization works with a strong network of African-American men in the community to serve as mentors and role models for them.
Also on the panel, Dell Services Managing Director Jon Phillips said the U.S. should invest in STEM and companies should take an active role by visiting schools, offering mentorship programs and working to reinforce the connection between STEM principles and real-world issues.
"If we can get corporations to interact with schools and invite them into the process of solving their problems, you might be surprised at how the students step up," Phillips said.
