Equipping the future generations to become innovators and problem-solvers, a STEAM program aims to prepare kids with a holistic approach to academics. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, an educational discipline to ignite a passion for these subjects in kids from an early age.
As the face of education is gradually transforming, it’s crucial to help kids imbibe problem-solving, creativity, and technical skills. A STEAM program is one of its kind programs, involving project-based learning crossing each of the subjects.
Unlike traditional teaching models, STEAM combines the synergy of all the subjects to create one teaching model. This way students are encouraged to use both sides of their brains at the same time.
The earlier kids are introduced to STEAM, the better. A STEAM program not only watches a good future for kids but also for the country.
Let’s discuss in detail why a STEAM program is the need of the hour
Importance of STEAM
There has been a steady growth in STEAM-related occupations, and it’s projected to grow to 8% by 2029, in comparison to 3.4% of non-STEAM occupations.
STEAM programs can help deliver skills for the future and encourage innovation and creativity to solve real-life problems. Other important factors are:
- Enhances Critical Thinking Skills – the STEAM program is designed to teach children the art of problem-solving. It’s a comprehensive module that encourages kids to think differently and come up with resourceful solutions.
- Improves Collaboration Skills – Usually, a STEAM program is conducted in groups where a kid can catch the skills of working in a team and being cooperative.
- Enhances Communication Skills – These programs are designed specifically as an interactive teaching-learning process, let’s say weighs more within the practical purview. It then leads to good social skills, convincing skills, etc.
Benefits of A STEAM Program
Now that we know why you should choose a STEAM program for your child, let’s examine the other benefits that could convert your ‘maybe’ into a ‘yes’. Ready to get convinced?
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Teases The Young Brain
STEAM is a comprehensive program that includes 5 subjects together and combines them into modules for learning. This makes them ask more questions, think creatively, try innovative solutions, and witness the practical application of their learnings.
This program nurtures the young mind by challenging it to think out of the box and encourages problem-solving.
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Provides Hands-on Learning Experience
Not all kids learn to make a doll out of clay. While some kids experience building and fixing things in their households, many do not. STEAM breaks this barrier and encourages experiential learning. Kids learn how anything works in reality, and how to fix and build things.
A STEAM program offers unbiased learning without concerning socioeconomic, gender, or other cultural differences.
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Empowers Girls To Explore STEAM subjects
Well, it’s the 21st century, however, unfortunately, girls are still underrepresented in many fields such as science, engineering, technology, etc. The root cause is them not being exposed to STEAM subjects at an early age.
Hence, introducing these subjects to them at an early age can help them develop interest and choose a career in any of the STEAM fields.
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Makes Kids Encourage Arts
Technical learning may seem elusive in the beginning, but with the involvement of artistic subjects like painting, and music, it can be less daunting. Kids are more likely to enjoy even the technical skills and the learning process will be smooth and encouraging.
STEM vs STEAM
It’s just one less of an alphabet, or is it? STEAM adds one more element to the practical learning module, which is ‘Arts’.
STEM focuses dominantly on technical skills of science, technology, engineering, and math. Whereas STEAM includes both hard and soft skills to find solutions.
Both the programs are the same and offer experiential learning to kids, the former is more on the technical side while the latter incorporates concepts of arts. STEAM came into play when the market demanded soft skills in the professional world.
The art subjects are considered to help students solve problems in a more creative and innovative approach.
These two programs are equally beneficial, STEAM being a little bit more helpful in leveraging a child’s full potential.
Hope this article helped you understand the need for STEAM and how it can be a gift for your child.
