STEM is an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning where academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons. Students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that connect the classroom and the world around them. STEM education and the application of technology empower every student to use their creativity and develop their critical thinking skills. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy. This innovation and science literacy depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas.
STEM Education, a beacon of hope in Pakistan’s educational landscape, holds immense potential. Despite the country’s low ranking in STEM literacy, the introduction and promotion of STEM education could significantly improve this situation. This is not just a possibility, but a necessity for Pakistan’s economic development and competitiveness. While there is currently a visible reluctance towards STEM Education in Pakistani schools, the potential for change and improvement is vast, sparking hope for a brighter future.
Education is not just a privilege, but a necessity in developing countries, as it equips future citizens with necessary life skills. In Pakistan, the standard of education needs urgent and significant improvement, especially in schools. The basic problem in the Pakistan education system is that students are only encouraged to get exam results but must be provided with the concepts and knowledge. As a result, students get bound to cramming, and they have no practical knowledge that they can apply in selecting their careers. The students are the main target of our education system, and there is an urgent need to develop and incorporate a proper system that will lead students in choosing their interests. The time for change is now, and we all have a role to play in advocating for this change.
Moreover, there is a glaring issue with the Pakistani education system where privileged students are getting a higher standard of education than the lower class. As a result of the difference in education, some students face many difficulties when they enter professional life. However, the advantage of STEM education is that it has the potential to bridge this gap. Every student, regardless of their background, will get basic knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and management. In this case, each class of students will know their interests very early, and they can choose their favourite field to pursue afterwards, promoting equality in education and professional opportunities.
Some other factors contribute to the education system’s failure, including management’s role in schools. The management hires unqualified teachers related to a particular subject, especially in rural areas of Pakistan. Moreover, the teachers encouraged students to cram the syllabus rather than care about their growth of students.
The student’s learning mindset has been limited in Pakistan due to the devastating education system. There should be a proper system that will eliminate the cramming habit from students and start expanding their growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. As a result, the children can overcome this problem of limited knowledge about science, technology, engineering, and management and learn the concepts in these broader fields.