The study engaged 74 STEAM educators from diverse backgrounds and teaching environments across Europe and beyond, with the majority (55%) working as school teachers. The average respondent age was 46.9 years old, with females comprising 62.6% of respondents. Most respondents (91.9%) believe e-learning and video technologies are valuable resources for STEAM education training . They expressed interest in engaging with online asynchronous short courses, webinars, and synchronous short courses as both learners and trainers.
When asked about the most significant challenges they face, educators highlighted a lack of resources (34%), time constraints (27%), and insufficient training (15%). Interestingly, despite growing interest in AI’s potential within education, many educators reported limited use of AI tools in their practice. This suggests a need for increased professional development opportunities focused on AI integration in STEAM education.
STEAM Education Exploratory Study by EASE
The study found that respondents primarily engage with students aged 9-12 years old (36.5%), followed by those working with ages 5-8 and 13-15 (both 13.5%). Educators highlighted project-based learning, problem-based learning, and the design thinking approach as their most frequently implemented STEAM programs. They employ various strategies to integrate Arts into STEM, such as incorporating design elements into projects and integrating arts into science or math concepts.
To gauge the effectiveness of their STEAM programs, educators primarily rely on student feedback (36%) and observations of changes in participants’ personal and social skills (28%). While a majority of respondents perceive their communities as generally supportive but passively involved in STEAM education (57%), a significant portion (25%) reported highly supportive and involved communities. This suggests the need for continued efforts to engage parents and communities in supporting STEAM education initiatives.
This study reveals a passionate community of STEAM educators navigating a landscape marked by both promise and challenges. While educators recognize the value of STEAM education, resource limitations, time constraints, and a need for more training are identified as key barriers. The study highlights the importance of continued investment in teacher training, resource provision, and fostering collaborative networks to empower educators in delivering impactful STEAM learning experiences.