Option 1: Liberal Arts and STEM
Many colleges and universities, including Concordia University, value a liberal arts education. In this way, students engage in studying content from a variety of areas, such as humanities, math and science, fine arts, and languages, as part of a general education core before advancing into degree-specific coursework as upperclassmen. One may argue that this general education core takes time away from STEM-focused students who could otherwise pursue STEM content and apply STEM principles and skills in a greater depth. The trade-off, however, would be that non-STEM-focused students would never have to take another math or science class if that was not part of the requirements of their major.
Reflect on the following questions as you formulate a substantive, 2-3 paragraph response:
What is the value of a liberal arts education in the context of STEM education?
How does a liberal arts, general education core support student preparation for STEM careers, or, quite frankly, applying key STEM principles and skills regardless of the career path?
How can you further implement art into your STEM curriculum (STEAM)?
Support your statements with evidence from the required studies and your research. Cite and reference your sources in APA style.
Option 2: University Research in STEM
An intentional emphasis of this concentration in STEM education is to engage in regularly applying scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematical principles or skills in your classroom or daily work. Drew (2011) writes: "Encouraging and improving university research is an essential part of expanding America's capabilities in STEM fields. We must optimize both the quality of the research and the opportunity for all students, regardless of geographical location, to learn from experienced researchers" (p. 194).
Reflect on the following questions as you formulate a substantive, 2-3 paragraph response:
To what degree to you agree or disagree with Drew's statement?
Is research essential, or a misallocation of funds? Why?
Does university research foster a culture of haves and have-nots based on the size and reputation of the university?
Does research help or hinder the development of a STEM-savvy workforce for the future? How?
Support your statements with evidence from the required studies and your research. Cite and reference your sources in APA style.