High Schools: An Equation that Works

1105 Media, Inc. Available from: T.H.E. Journal Magazine. P.O. Box 2170, Skokie, IL 60076. Tel: 866-293-3194; Tel: 866-886-3036; Fax: 847-763-9564; e-mail: THEJournal@1105service.com; Web site: http://www.thejournal.com/

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3

High Schools; Engineering; Science Instruction; Teaching Methods; Learner Engagement; Mathematics Instruction; Technology; Educational Technology; Computer Uses in Education; Technology Integration; Secondary School Teachers; Instructional Improvement; Instructional Effectiveness; Career Choice; Professional Development; Electronic Learning

0192-592X

The lack of U.S. students entering the science, technology, engineering, and math fields is one of teachers' primary educational woes. Surveys show that the small percentage of U.S. college students who choose to major in a math or science field gets even smaller by the end of students' freshman year. While the responsibility of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education falls to all grade levels, it's in the high schools where teachers most need to deliver it in a way that interests and motivates students--which means not via the teacher-centered model common to math and science instruction. Compelling STEM instruction can give disengaged students--those 7,000 who drop out each day--a reason to be interested in school. In this article, the author describes how some teachers and various schools have been making efforts to improve STEM instruction through the combined use of technology and engaging instructional practices.

ERIC

2008

EJ814459