Integrating Music and Arts into STEM curriculum with creative STEAM-focused experiences

Pedagogical Approaches

The STEAM-focused curriculum in GoSTEAM include various pedagogical approaches grounded in learner-centered constructivist perspectives, which drive the development and implementation of the lessons. Below are examples of pedagogical approaches used across STEAM lessons within a context that is meaningful for students.

Project-based Learning

Project-based Learning (PBL) is grounded in John Dewey’s constructivist perspective that learners learn by solving real-world, authentic problems, as they engage in experiential, hands-on, student-directed activities (Blumenfeld, et al. 1999). Relevant questions to drive the activities are presented in the lessons, followed by a series of artifacts and/or products that students propose as solutions.

5E Model of Instruction

The 5E Model of Instruction is a sequenced instructional model consisting of five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. 

Each phase of the model functions to help teachers implement a conceptualized and coherent mode of instruction, and support students’ conceptual understanding of scientific ideas, knowledge, and skills (Bybee et al., 2006). 

References

Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369–398.

Bybee, R. W., Taylor, J. A., Gardner, A., Van Scotter, P., Powell, J. C., Westbrook, A., & Landes, N. (2006). The BSCS 5E instructional model: Origins and effectiveness. Colorado Springs Co.: BSCS, 5, 88-98.