What is STEAM learning?
Late 19th century classroom (https://www.vintag.es/2017/09/heres-what-school-classrooms-looked.html)
Before we answer the title’s probing question, perhaps we ought to consider first: What is “learning.” Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary (one of my favorites) puts it like this:
Learning, ppr. lern'ing. Gaining knowledge by instruction or reading, by study, by experience or observation; acquiring skills by practice.
Pause. Think for a moment about this definition. Let’s break it down:
Plain and simple, learning is gaining knowledge…how? By instruction, reading, study, experience, observation, and by practicing skills. Notice that within this definition, learning does not occur one way only. For example, it’s not just in reading books, although that is important. There is also the application of skills and experiencing of the learning content. This would imply that learners (of any age) require an environment that fosters these multiple facets of learning.
Now consider this picture:
Perhaps this image conjures up thoughts of how you may have learned (News Flash: You don’t have to be over 100 years old to have experienced this kind of learning!). Students learning in rows and columns of desks, with one person directing ALL the learning from one central location in the classroom has been the main form of “learning” for a long time! However, Noah Webster’s definition of learning (from the same century as the picture above) cannot be fully realized within this restrictive learning environment.
Imagine a learning environment in which students can discover multiple subjects through the arts, movement, exploration, collaborative study, and the crossing over of one subject into another (fluidly). Imagine the teacher as a facilitator of curiosity, not as the ONE person in the room with “all the information.” Imagine a joy and a passion for learning that might be fostered among students within this kind of learning environment.
Enter STEAM learning! STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. It represents a blended learning environment that is very different from subjects being taught in isolation (i.e. Period 1: English, Period 2: Math, etc.). By the way, just because you don’t see the word english or reading represented by one of the letters in the STEAM acronym, that doesn’t mean they’re not there! Reading, speaking, and listening skills are infused and practiced regularly by students throughout STEAM learning. They also have opportunities to study, experience, observe, and practice skills that help them become thoughtful and active problem-solvers in their world today. Have you ever heard a student say, “When am I ever going to use this?” STEAM learning fosters an environment in which students practice learned skills and knowledge in order to meet needs and solve problems, many times within their own community. Learning put to use…isn’t this the kind of learning our children deserve?
