STEM vs STEAM

STEM is a well-known educational idea these days. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are the four pillars that experts and educators swear by. However, greater creativity and personalization are essential for a pupil's complete growth. STE(A)M is therefore introduced. This is the inclusion of arts study alongside STEM instruction. STEAM education can provide a more comprehensive approach to a child's education. STEM vs STEAM, on the other hand, has been a long and ongoing conflict.

STEM and STEAM are not new concepts in and of themselves. They may be described as methods of comprehending and integrating a type of learning that is similar to actual life. Instead of teaching math and science separately, they might be taught jointly in a way that demonstrates how the information from those two subjects complements and supports one another.

How are they different?

The primary distinction between STEM and STEAM is the approach to scientific topics. While STEM focuses on hard scientific skills, STEAM uses both hard and soft talents to address issues.

Here's an example: STEAM technologies, such as data visualisation, may help students learn more about science and math. Applying this outside-the-box thinking results in the birth of fresh ideas and products. It also makes difficult data sets easier to grasp by adopting intelligible representations.

Similarities between STEM and STEAM

Both STEM and STEAM require integration. The subjects in both STEM and STEAM are not taught separately; rather, the emphasis is on holistic, well-rounded teaching and learning. Both of these modes of knowing are important to our everyday lives and work in some ways. We consider numerous parameters and consider the problem as a whole while solving any challenge. The same may be said for STEM and STEAM.

In the real world, we require a variety of skill sets for both business and personal life. When all of these abilities are combined, the result is a skillful individual.

Why STEAM is becoming popular?

The humanities, languages, art, and new media are all covered in the STEAM curriculum. If a person can master any of these topics in addition to STEM, they will be well-positioned in their careers. According to a 2018 LinkedIn research, 57 percent of senior executives favour soft talents above hard abilities.

Incorporating the letter 'A' into STEM education also makes learning more enjoyable and helps to keep pupils interested. They are able to apply a personal touch to their studies.

STEAM simply adds to STEM rather than detracting from it. It instils a better feeling of creativity in the learner, equipping them for a wide range of future work prospects.

Goal of STEAM learning

Children must understand that they don't have to become either innovative or analytical—they may be both! This is exactly what STEAM learning accomplishes. It helps young people to solve problems by using both sides of their brain.

A STEAM-based learning strategy, regardless of position or sector, may assure improved readiness for kids entering the profession tomorrow.