Journal of Learning and Teaching in Digital Age (Jan 2021)
The Effects of STEM and Other Innovative Interdisciplinary Practices on Academic Success, Attitude, Career Awareness: A Meta-Synthesis Study
Abstract
Today, the number of researches about STEM education, which is brought to the forefront by innovative interdisciplinary approaches, has been increasing over the years and each research is carried out in different areas, regions for different purposes. When these studies are examined, it is thought that the studies can be gathered under certain headings and themes and a broad perspective about the studies can be presented. We reached 186 works in the framework of STEM and other innovative approaches worldwide, except for Turkey. 48 of these studies from 21 different countries, written in 4 different languages, were selected between 2009-2019. These studies were evaluated in 9 different themes and 24 sub-concepts. These studies include all partners (students, teachers, parents and others) of the education system. The impact of innovative interdisciplinary practices on students' academic achievement, scientific process skills and career awareness is positive. Gender is an important factor in perception and attitudes. In-school and out-of-school activities are effective in acquiring 21st century skills. Education partner’s attitude towards innovative interdisciplinary approaches is positive. In some studies, limitations such as physical space, time and cost disrupted the realization of activities and sometimes it was a negative situation that the teachers did not have the necessary training formation and felt inadequate for these activities. Existing curricula, which are shaped within the framework of knowledge-based examination system, were also seen as another limiting factor. At the end of the research, suggestions were made to all partners of the education system for the research and applications to be carried out in innovative interdisciplinary fields.
