Jump On The 'STEAM' Train: Improve Employability With STEM Education
27th January 2023
Education in STEM fields has extended far beyond the classroom and it has also spread its roots in early childhood education. STEAM education in early childhood involves implementing a modern learning strategy to develop students holistically and bring them up to industry standards when they grow up.
The main goal of this type of education is to develop critical and creative thinking abilities in the students that are essential for overcoming challenges of the modern world and are highly valued by businesses worldwide. STEAM education allows students to have an edge in career prospects as most sectors require digital or computer networks to perform their daily operations.
Tune in to learn more about how STEAM education can improve employability prospects.
What Is STEAM Education?
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are no longer enough to give students an edge in the employment field. Then what else can be done? Introduce Arts!
Source: www.researchgate.net
Introducing arts in the already existing STEM education is the key to developing a good career. The newly formulated STEAM curriculum was created to prepare Malaysian learners for some o the most demanded position in the field of software development, digital marketing, information technology, business development, education, finance, and medicine.
Since STEAM is a broad discipline it nurtures versatile individuals and provides them with a taste of what the most in-demand job positions entail. This allows the learners to have a fair idea of what to expect if they decide to further their careers in a particular field. Moreover, with the introduction of arts, students are learning various soft skills like critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, creativity, innovation, and collaboration. These skills not only widen their perspectives but also provide an opportunity for more impactful research for science and technology-related talents.
What Is The Current Level Of STEAM Education In Malaysia?
Malaysia strives to meet the demands of a STEAM-driven economy and is highly aware of the issues that organizations today must deal with. Thus, the Malaysian government has implemented the STEAM education program to foster students' interest in STEAM-related subjects.
Source: www.researchgate.net
Furthermore, the country has developed a National STEM learning center to encourage excellence among students and offer Continued Professional Development (CPD) training for STEAM educators including both formal and non-formal educational activities. Additionally, Malaysia is also giving equal opportunities to women to establish more female role models and inspire young girls to develop an interest in the field. Studies show that women learners climbed from 29% in 2019 to 36% in 2021.
Moreover, the faculty of the University of Nottingham Malaysia states that STEAM education creates a more inclusive learning environment that allows students to exercise both their logical and creative brains simultaneously as they would need to do in the 21st-century working environment. She also affirms that making connections between artistic principles and science-related topics is essential to ensure a well-rounded workforce that fulfills the demand of a technology-driven society.
What Are The Career Prospects Of STEAM Education?
STEAM professionals are in a variety of fields ranging from biochemistry to aerospace. Here are some of the STEAM education careers for prospective and interested candidates:
Source: www.studymalaysia.com
1. Computer Science
As a result of technological innovation, the demand for computer science majors has dramatically increased. The students can be majoring in programming for artificial intelligence, robots, or video games. Since the necessary courses cover topics related to algorithms, data structures, system principles, etc, jobs in this field generally offer high-paying positions.
2. Information Technology
Students willing to find a job in this sector often pursue courses related to web application development, organizational communication, interactive design, etc. IT jobs generally focus on computer networks and systems to ensure that employees execute their tasks effectively. Cloud engineer, network administrator, and database administrator are some of the most common positions that offer a handsome package.
3. Education
With the introduction of art students aspiring to become teachers and educators have significantly surged. Learners often take courses related to physical arts, visual arts, language arts, etc to spark creativity and imagination. School teachers, technology educators, Special education teachers, STEAM educators, and directors of learning and development are some of the high-paying STEAM education jobs in this sector.
4. Engineering
Another exciting field that offers students many pursuits related to their career and personal interests is education. Most students study a specific major like mechanical, civil, electrical, etc in the field of engineering. However, others have double majors in engineering and other fields. Automotive, agricultural, biomedical and mechanical engineering are some of the industries with the highest job demand.
Malaysia Towards STEAM Success
Incorporating arts in STEM education allows students to become quality literates as they understand and study societal behavior, influences, and motivations that foster relationships with one another. It also allows students to be more aware of cultural differences and develop teamwork and adaptability skills to survive in the workforce. Thus, if you are willing to teach English in Malaysia, then consider pursuing a TEFL degree and land your dream job.
Written By : Sanjana
