Program development and human resource development for the dissemination of STEM education in elementary and junior high schools in Japan

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K14210
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 09040:Education on school subjects and primary/secondary education-related
• Research Institution: Showa Women's University
• Principal Investigator: SHIRASU Tetsuhisa 昭和女子大学, 生活機構研究科, 准教授 (80810415)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: STEM教育 / プログラミング / FOSS / ものづくり / 米国

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The study involved the development and creation of the following three (1) STEM education materials that integrate “manufacturing” and “programming,” (2) a programming manual, and (3) multiple instructional plans. The developed teaching materials were put into practice at several elementary and junior high schools, PCs purchased with grant funds were utilized, and more than 10 workshops for instructors were held to promote STEM education. The developed paper patterns for electric fans and other crafts and programming manuals were made available on the website for downloading, and video clips of the classes were made available for viewing.
The findings from the U.S. study tour were compiled into a report and published on the website. The results were also reported at a symposium.

Free Research Field

理科教育

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

プログラミング教育では指導者の不足が課題となっている。本研究では、優れたマニュアルがあれば、子どもは独自に学び進められることと、大学生や上級生が指導者となって教えられることを明らかにした。教師は多くのことを知っていて子どもを導く存在だと考えられてきたが、教師は学習者の伴走者であり、もっとまわりを頼るべきだという教師観を支持する成果を得た。
米国の視察では、教師の仕事の負担を軽減する教材準備の仕組みを知った。また、一般的だと思われている問題解決学習のステップは、世界標準ではないことが分かった。このことを広く報告することで、日本の理科教育の未来をより良くすることができると考える。