Today, there is a serious problem within our society which needs to be dealt with to secure future development. Important subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM subjects) are being dismissed by students for various reasons. This needs to change and it needs to change now, especially as the economy is demanding greater diversity.
This was one of the important messages received from a recent STEM conference, supported by East Midlands Development Agency (
emda) and held at 3M, Loughborough on 3rd March 2010. A number of guest speakers attended the event, along with 3M Health Care Limited, educational providers and local authorities. A key theme from the presentations given by the guest speakers was to adjust the approach towards maths and obtain a view of “problem solving”. This key theme was expressed by Andy Turner, 3M Health Care Limited. Mr Turner went on to explain why problem solving skills were fundamental within 3M Health Care, as 3M Health Care are the leading manufacturers for medical devices.
A recent interview with Dr Bryan Jackson, Chairman of emda, explained why STEM was important to the East Midlands. “The East Midlands is a knowledge based economy, which is ripe for technological development. We have a window of opportunity and we can’t rely on banking and finance, proven by the recent recession. In the long term, we require a growing economy to survive future recessions and we now have an economic strategy in place which looks 20 years ahead. In this time period we aim to achieve a flourishing region. This is why we need to get back into schools and change how the STEM subjects are taught to excite students as they will be able to relate it to real life.”
For Students, mathematics is one of the most difficult and demanding subjects to study. An interview with Dr Rob Farr, The Energy MC, explained why this was the case. Dr Farr specialises in energy issues, climate change, population growth and consumption. He believes that how we see a mathematical problem needs to change. The outcome to making maths a more enjoyable subject is to change how the problem is being perceived. “Turn a problem into a Challenge”. This new way of thinking engages the student more and provides them with motivation to solve the problem. Dr Farr goes on to explain why STEM subjects are so essential in our society. “STEM subjects are important because they will help to create sustainable energy for the future. Through STEM, we would like to raise energy awareness and inform people with why subjects such as maths, are required to understand the size of the challenge presented to us. The core problems within our society are population and over consumption. The size of our population is vastly getting larger at an uncontrollable rate and one day we will have to stop using non-renewable resources. Scientists and Mathematicians are needed to change our society because consumer lifestyle affects the energy we use.”
Another key theme within the conference was that everyone can benefit from STEM subjects. It is not all about winning over student’s opinions and changing their way of thinking, it is also about appealing to teacher, lecturers and parents. Changing the teaching methods and updating the syllabus can have numerous benefits. More young people need to be inspired to take STEM subjects, and who better to inspire them than teachers and lecturers. A presentation given by Barbara Linton, Regional Coordinator for the East Midlands and National centre for the Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), provided us with a key message. “Mathematics isn’t a memory skill; it is a way of thinking”. Competence, creativity, application, and implication, are vital to understanding a mathematic problems, and in conclusion, teachers need to vary techniques and views in order for mathematics to be understood.
“Businesses make Business decisions; anyone could have the next great idea”
Dr Bryan Jackson
Students bring ‘fresh’ ideas to our society. A world without STEM is a world without a future. Young people have control over their future and are the future of our society. Inspiration, charisma, relevance, and enthusiasm are vital to achieve change. The future of the economy is held in student’s hands and John Marriot, Deputy Director and Principal Statistician at the Royal Statistical Society for Statistical Education made the point that we can “Help tomorrow take shape”. How can you help to make a difference?
STEM Student Journalist report by Charlotte Barclay, Loughborough University.