Research Methods
The central idea put forth in this article is the implementation of opportunities available in geography courses. The concept of "STEAM-EDUCATION" was presented to the working group, and techniques for enhancing students' research abilities were explored. Current global trends and experiences from various countries are considered. The benefits of technology in contemporary educational programs were assessed, and examples of cross-disciplinary educational projects that incorporated STEAM technologies in geography lessons for schoolchildren were examined. Furthermore, this study considered examples of integration methods and techniques that facilitate skill development for group interaction.
The study was conducted using STEAM technology on 60 students from the 7th and 8th grades of School No. 13 in Tuzdybastau Village, Talgar District, Almaty Region. Various methods have been employed to enhance students' theoretical knowledge. For example, 7th and 8th-grade students were required to create models of planets in the solar system using foam plastic and video material, during which they learned the "Free Microphone" and "Thought Recall" methods. Additionally, a model of the internal structure of Earth was constructed for these students using video materials.
As outlined in the opening section, the extensive use of STEM technology is contentious. However, there is no commonly accepted definition or consensus regarding this concept among countries that aim to achieve preeminence in the scientific and technical domains. The educational system plays a vital role in cultivating technological proficiency among students, which is an essential component of their overall education.
Educators are continuously seeking effective methods to impart technological knowledge to students, including subjects such as geography, physics, chemistry, and biology. By studying these subjects, students can acquire theoretical knowledge and enhance their scientific, mathematical, and academic literacy. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of emphasis on applying this knowledge in practical situations. In secondary schools, students should be able to apply their scientific knowledge in a qualitative manner, as emphasized by Pidkasisty (2013).
Unfortunately, there is currently no unified technology available for implementing STEAM educational concepts in Kazakhstan. However, more developed schools are attempting to introduce STEAM elements, primarily through the teaching of fundamental robotics, hands-on work with ICT tools, and the application of design research methods in education.
The active development of STEAM technology in Kazakhstan commenced in 2016-2019 and was subsequently integrated into the updated school curriculum as part of the national education system and state program of scientific development. The STEAM elements are expected to be incorporated into the curriculum.
STEM education is defined as the integration of various academic disciplines to achieve a practical outcome by combining knowledge from different scientific fields. This approach is viewed as a bridge that connects the learning process in the education system to future career prospects and professional growth. STEM education equips students with the skills necessary to excel in a highly technologically advanced world.
The integration of STEAM technology in the classroom involves the use of equipment, such as 3D printers and visualization tools, as well as the implementation of best pedagogical practices and consideration of the physical and psychological characteristics of students (Kochkarova, 2012). The training program should encompass cross-disciplinary teaching, practical applications of scientific and technical knowledge, development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enhanced self-esteem and communication, teamwork, and emphasis on innovation and creativity in project-based research studies (Guseva, Skurlatov & Surkin, 2015). The training should also cover discussion, design, structure, testing, and development, and serve as a link between education and career.
The geography course covers four aspects of STEM technology-enhanced teaching, as outlined by Kalmykova (2010).
1. The study of natural phenomena in the macro world involves creating prototypes of geographical phenomena through mathematical modeling, engineering graphics, and design. For instance, a model of the solar system or an earth globe has been created, and STEM technology has been used to study the internal structure of the earth, which is not yet fully understood.
2. Digital laboratories are essential equipment for hands-on lessons in the geographical cycle. The use of such applications not only increases visibility during the study, but also allows the use of precise tools that are part of the application complex.
3. Technology helps quickly obtain results in terms of geography. Equipment such as globes, topographic maps, pressure, temperature, humidity, sensors, GPS, and tools that show the distribution of light and moisture over the globe were utilized.
4. Virtual laboratories simulate geographical processes, allowing for changes in the conditions and driving parameters. This program creates an interactive learning environment, reducing the time spent on methodological materials and allowing more attention to be devoted to the study of theory and the results obtained.
The exploration of microcosmic internal mechanisms can be realized through the MEL Science application, which is accessible online. This program offers a realistic portrayal of scientific themes in virtual reality, thus providing an immersive and captivating educational experience.
In the current era of rapid digital development, it is not uncommon for individuals to become fully engrossed in the digital world within weeks, days, or even hours. The incorporation of digitalization technology into the education sector is considered a key trend in modernizing school education.
The implementation of the STEM curriculum is anticipated to yield several favorable outcomes, including the creation of a nurturing and motivating learning environment for young people. Furthermore, continuous scientific, methodological, and psychological support will be provided to ensure the success of the educational process. Collaboration between students and teachers is based on the principle of subject-subject interaction, fostering a cooperative and interactive educational environment. Schools are expected to adopt new technologies as their primary mode of instruction and develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The professional competencies and literacy of both educators and learners in STEM technology are also critical components of the educational process.
The second approach provides for the integration of knowledge of STEM materials, an in-depth understanding of their content, and the development of students' future research and creative abilities or students' choice of a scientific direction for their future career. Third, representatives of technical higher education institutions consider that STEM education should be dominated by multidisciplinary methods. Use of integration in teaching all subjects of new technology in real industrial conditions.
The primary goal of the science-technology method is to provide a blended learning environment that demonstrates how students can apply scientific methods in their daily lives. This was achieved by incorporating STEM subjects into the school curriculum and offering project-based education and research activities.
Practically, this approach is based on the notion that students learn best through a project-based approach. Instead of studying each of the five subjects separately in school or other educational institutions, this method combines them into a single integrated teaching scheme. This approach enables students to study the full scope of academic science and technology in real-time, making it a highly efficient and effective method for integrated teaching.
The project method is a highly effective teaching approach for school students as it fosters creativity and enables them to connect events to real life. By engaging in research, students interact and make decisions by utilizing various assessment tools and learning activities. This method also promotes self-motivation, which allows teachers to facilitate learning without directing it. The phenomenology of technology is multidimensional, with a vague definition, dualistic public and personal significance, and a multifunctional manifestation of technological and didactic potential. The high subjectivity of young students and teachers in the interactive process underscores the importance of developing technological models for STEM education in psychological pedagogical science and practice.
In the contemporary era, the incorporation of digital techniques in secondary education is indispensable for improving the educational value of conventional teaching methods and aligning it with advancements in computer technology. In geography classes, this technology serves as a critical tool for instructing students, as it not only focuses on geographical knowledge, but also interconnects related subjects within the subject. This perspective has been extensively discussed in the field of education, and its significance in tackling the difficulties of integrating fundamental and systemic requirements with practical applications in STEM education is duly acknowledged.
Integrative learning aims to enhance students' understanding of the subject matter, which presents promising prospects for students in Kazakhstan. As a country's future depends on well-educated young people, it is essential to provide them with the necessary tools to succeed.
Furthermore, students can participate in the "Schoolyard" STEM initiative, which involves developing their financial literacy to some extent. In this program, students work in groups to choose the plants they want to cultivate in a garden. During geography lessons, they learn about the optimal conditions for growing their chosen plant, including lighting, irrigation, maintaining humidity levels, and understanding plant productivity characteristics.
The use of a soil moisture sensor enables students to determine the optimal watering schedule for plants and gauge the efficiency of the irrigation system. This geography lesson incorporated various subjects by focusing on the growth of plants as a unifying theme. The application of STEM technology allows students to develop their skills by using basic materials.
A thorough examination of the experiences of specific states in implementing STEM education reveals essential strategies for its advancement, particularly with regard to curricula and programs in the STEM field. In primary school, scientific knowledge is introduced to younger students through subjects such as "Earth Studies" and "Natural Sciences."