A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of STEM Education on Students’ Abilities
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Published
Oct 5, 2018
Abstract
Does STEM education improve students' higher-level thinking and cognitive abilities? So far, empirical research has not yielded consistent conclusions. As such, this study applied the method of meta-analysis to synthesize quantitatively existing research to better understand STEM and its effects on students’ abilities associated with learning. The study found that STEM education is conducive to improving students' higher-order thinking and cognitive ability levels with an effect size of (d = 0.798). The results indicate that teaching methods and student experiences in STEM education have a positive effect on student learning.
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Keywords
STEM Education, Higher-Order Thinking, Higher-Order Cognitive Abilities, Student Learning
Supporting Agencies
(1) China Humanities and Social Sciences Research Fund Project (2018) for the Ministry of Education: Studies on the Influencing Factors and Mechanisms of STEM on Primary and Secondary School Students’ (Project Approval Number: 18YJA880108); and (2) the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education (China).
References
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Atkinson, R. D., & Mayo, M. J. (2010). Refueling the US innovation economy: fresh approaches to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.
Becker, K., & Park, K. (2011). Integrative approaches among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) subjects on students' learning: a meta-analysis. J STEM Edu Innov Res, 12(5), 23-37.
Beede, D., Julian, T., Khan, B., Lehrman, R., Mckittrick, G., Langdon, D., & Doms, M. (2011). Education supports racial and ethnic equality in STEM. http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/education_supports_racial_and_ethnic_equality_in_stem.pdf
Bloom, B., Englehart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York, NY: David McKay.
Cakir, R., Ozan, C. E., Kaya, E., & Buyruk, B. (2016). The Impact of FeTeMM activities on 7th grade students’ reflective thinking skills for problem solving levels and their achievements. Participat Edu Res, Special Issue 2016-IV, 182-189.
Capraro, R. M., Capraro, M. M., & Morgan, J. R. (2013). STEM project-based learning: an integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) approach. Sense Publishers.
Carmichael, C. C. (2017). A state-by-state policy analysis of STEM education for k-12 public schools. ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Seton Hall University.
Cheung, A. C. K., & Slavin, R. E. (2013b). Effects of educational technology applications on reading outcomes for struggling readers: a best evidence synthesis. Read Res Quart, 48(3), 277-299.
Cheung, A., & Slavin, R. E. (2013a). The effectiveness of educational technology applications on mathematics achievement in K-12 classrooms: A meta-analysis. Edu Res Rev, 2013, 9(1), 88-11.
Choi, Y., & Hong, S. H. (2015). Effects of STEAM lessons using scratch programming regarding small organisms in elementary science-gifted education. Element Sch Sci Edu, 34(2), 194-209.
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral science. Hillsdale, NJL awrence Earlbaum Associations.
CoSTEM. (2013). Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education 5-year strategic plan. National Science and Technology Council: Washington, D.C.
Fan, S-C., & Yu, K-C. (2015). How an integrative STEM curriculum can benefit students in engineering design practices. Int J Tech Design Edu, 27(1), 1-23.
Hemlo, C. E., & Ferrari, M. The problem-based learning tutorial: cultivating higher order thinking skills. J Edu Gifted, 20(4), 401-422.
Honey, M., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, H. (2014). STEM integration in K–12 education status, prospects, and an agenda for research. The National Academies Press: Washington, D. C.
Hopson, M. H., Simms, R. L., & Knezek, G. A. (2001). Using a technology-enriched environment to improve higher-order thinking skills. J Res Tech Edu, 34(2), 109-119.
Inman, T. F. (2011). The Effects of problem-based learning in math and science on high potential elementary school students. Western Kentucky University.
Jang, H. (2016). Identifying 21st century STEM competencies using workplace data. J Sci Edu Tech, 25(2), 284-301.
Kelley, T. R., & Knowles, J. G. (2016). A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education. Int J STEM Edu, 3: 1-11.
Kibett, J. K., & Kathuri, N. J. (2005). Effects of project-based learning on student performance of higher cognitive skills in secondary school agriculture. Zimbabwe J Edu Res, 17 (1), 30-38.
Koch, M., Gorges, T., & Penuel, W. R. (2012). Build IT: Scaling and sustaining an afterschool computer science program for girls. Aftersch Matter, (16), 58-66.
Li, Y., Huang, Z., Jiang, M., & Chang, T. W. (2016). The Effect on pupils’ science performance and problem-solving ability through lego: an engineering design-based modeling approach. Edu Tech Society, 19 (3), 143-156.
Lipsey, M. W., & Wilson, D. B. (2001). Practical meta-analysis. London: International Educational and Professional Publisher.
Marginson, S., Tytler, R., Freeman, B., & Roberts, K. (2013). STEM: country comparisons: international comparisons of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Finalreport. http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30059041/tytler-stemcountry-2013.pdf.
McDonald, C. V. (2016). STEM Education: A review of the contribution of the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Sci Edu Int, 27(4), 530-569.
Meyrick, K. M. (2011). How STEM education improves student learning. Meridian K-12 Sch Comp Tech J, 14(1).
Michael, B., Hedges, L. V., Higgins, J. P. T., & Rothstein, H. R. (2009). Introduction to meta-analysis. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miri, B., David, B. C., & Uri, Z. (2007). Purposely teaching for the promotion of higher-order thinking skills: A case of critical thinking. Res Sci Edu, 37, 353-369.
Mitts, C. R. (2016). Why STEM? Tech Engineer, (75): 1-6.
National Research Council. (1996). From analysis to action: undergraduate education in science mathematics, engineering, and technology. National Research Council: Washington, D. C.
National Research Council. (2011). Successful K-12 STEM education: identifying effective approaches in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The National Academies Press: Washington, DC.
Psycharis, S., & Kallia, M. (2017). The effects of computer programming on high school students’ reasoning skills and mathematical self-efficacy and problem solving. Instruct Sci: Int J Learn Sci, 45(5), 583-602.
Sanders, M. (2009). STEM, STEM Education, STEM mania. Tech Teacher, 8(4), 20-26.
Sarac, H. (2018). The Effect of science, technology, engineering and mathematics-stem education practices on students’ learning outcomes: a meta-analysis. Turkey Online J Edu Tech, 17(2), 125-142.
Saxton, E., Burns, R., Holveck, S., Kelley, S., Prince, D., Rigelman, N., & Skinner, E. A. (2014). A Common Measurement System for K-12 STEM Education: adopting an educational evaluation methodology that elevates theoretical foundations and systems thinking. Stud Edu Eval, 40, 18-35.
Taylor, K. (2016). Collaborative robotics, more than just working in groups: effects of student collaboration on learning motivation, collaborative problem solving, and science process skills in robotic activities. Boise State University.
Thomasian, J. (2007). Innovation america: building a science, technology, engineering, and math education agenda. National Governors Association: Washington, D. C.
Thomasian, J. (2011). Building a science, technology, engineering, and math education agenda: an update of state actions. NGA Center for Best Practices.
US Congress. (2015). STEM education act of 2015 (Public Law 114-59). US Congress: Washington, D. C.
US Department of Education. (2016). STEM 2026: a vision for innovation in STEM Education. https://innovation.ed.gov/files/2016/09/AIR-STEM2026_Report_2016.pdf.
Valentine, J. C., & Cooper, H. (2003). What works clearinghouse study design and implementation assessment device (Version 0.6). U.S. Department of Education: Washington, D. C.
Wood, G.H., Darling-Hammond, L., Neill, M. & Roschewski, P. (2007). Refocusing accountability: using local performance assessments to enhance teaching and learning for higher order skills. Briefing paper prepared for members of the congress of the United States: Washington, D.C.
Yakman, G. (2008). STEAM Education: an overview of creating a model of integrative education. http://steamedu.com/wp-content/uploads/F2014/12/2008-PATT-Publication-STEAM.pdf
Yildirim, B. (2016). An analyses and meta-synthesis of research on STEM education. J Edu Pract, 7(34), 23-33.
Zohar, A., & Dori, Y. J. (2003). Higher order thinking skills and low-achieving students: Are they mutually exclusive? J Learn Sci, 12(2), 145-181.
Atkinson, R. D., & Mayo, M. J. (2010). Refueling the US innovation economy: fresh approaches to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation.
Becker, K., & Park, K. (2011). Integrative approaches among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) subjects on students' learning: a meta-analysis. J STEM Edu Innov Res, 12(5), 23-37.
Beede, D., Julian, T., Khan, B., Lehrman, R., Mckittrick, G., Langdon, D., & Doms, M. (2011). Education supports racial and ethnic equality in STEM. http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/education_supports_racial_and_ethnic_equality_in_stem.pdf
Bloom, B., Englehart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York, NY: David McKay.
Cakir, R., Ozan, C. E., Kaya, E., & Buyruk, B. (2016). The Impact of FeTeMM activities on 7th grade students’ reflective thinking skills for problem solving levels and their achievements. Participat Edu Res, Special Issue 2016-IV, 182-189.
Capraro, R. M., Capraro, M. M., & Morgan, J. R. (2013). STEM project-based learning: an integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) approach. Sense Publishers.
Carmichael, C. C. (2017). A state-by-state policy analysis of STEM education for k-12 public schools. ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Seton Hall University.
Cheung, A. C. K., & Slavin, R. E. (2013b). Effects of educational technology applications on reading outcomes for struggling readers: a best evidence synthesis. Read Res Quart, 48(3), 277-299.
Cheung, A., & Slavin, R. E. (2013a). The effectiveness of educational technology applications on mathematics achievement in K-12 classrooms: A meta-analysis. Edu Res Rev, 2013, 9(1), 88-11.
Choi, Y., & Hong, S. H. (2015). Effects of STEAM lessons using scratch programming regarding small organisms in elementary science-gifted education. Element Sch Sci Edu, 34(2), 194-209.
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral science. Hillsdale, NJL awrence Earlbaum Associations.
CoSTEM. (2013). Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education 5-year strategic plan. National Science and Technology Council: Washington, D.C.
Fan, S-C., & Yu, K-C. (2015). How an integrative STEM curriculum can benefit students in engineering design practices. Int J Tech Design Edu, 27(1), 1-23.
Hemlo, C. E., & Ferrari, M. The problem-based learning tutorial: cultivating higher order thinking skills. J Edu Gifted, 20(4), 401-422.
Honey, M., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, H. (2014). STEM integration in K–12 education status, prospects, and an agenda for research. The National Academies Press: Washington, D. C.
Hopson, M. H., Simms, R. L., & Knezek, G. A. (2001). Using a technology-enriched environment to improve higher-order thinking skills. J Res Tech Edu, 34(2), 109-119.
Inman, T. F. (2011). The Effects of problem-based learning in math and science on high potential elementary school students. Western Kentucky University.
Jang, H. (2016). Identifying 21st century STEM competencies using workplace data. J Sci Edu Tech, 25(2), 284-301.
Kelley, T. R., & Knowles, J. G. (2016). A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education. Int J STEM Edu, 3: 1-11.
Kibett, J. K., & Kathuri, N. J. (2005). Effects of project-based learning on student performance of higher cognitive skills in secondary school agriculture. Zimbabwe J Edu Res, 17 (1), 30-38.
Koch, M., Gorges, T., & Penuel, W. R. (2012). Build IT: Scaling and sustaining an afterschool computer science program for girls. Aftersch Matter, (16), 58-66.
Li, Y., Huang, Z., Jiang, M., & Chang, T. W. (2016). The Effect on pupils’ science performance and problem-solving ability through lego: an engineering design-based modeling approach. Edu Tech Society, 19 (3), 143-156.
Lipsey, M. W., & Wilson, D. B. (2001). Practical meta-analysis. London: International Educational and Professional Publisher.
Marginson, S., Tytler, R., Freeman, B., & Roberts, K. (2013). STEM: country comparisons: international comparisons of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Finalreport. http://dro.deakin.edu.au/eserv/DU:30059041/tytler-stemcountry-2013.pdf.
McDonald, C. V. (2016). STEM Education: A review of the contribution of the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Sci Edu Int, 27(4), 530-569.
Meyrick, K. M. (2011). How STEM education improves student learning. Meridian K-12 Sch Comp Tech J, 14(1).
Michael, B., Hedges, L. V., Higgins, J. P. T., & Rothstein, H. R. (2009). Introduction to meta-analysis. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Miri, B., David, B. C., & Uri, Z. (2007). Purposely teaching for the promotion of higher-order thinking skills: A case of critical thinking. Res Sci Edu, 37, 353-369.
Mitts, C. R. (2016). Why STEM? Tech Engineer, (75): 1-6.
National Research Council. (1996). From analysis to action: undergraduate education in science mathematics, engineering, and technology. National Research Council: Washington, D. C.
National Research Council. (2011). Successful K-12 STEM education: identifying effective approaches in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The National Academies Press: Washington, DC.
Psycharis, S., & Kallia, M. (2017). The effects of computer programming on high school students’ reasoning skills and mathematical self-efficacy and problem solving. Instruct Sci: Int J Learn Sci, 45(5), 583-602.
Sanders, M. (2009). STEM, STEM Education, STEM mania. Tech Teacher, 8(4), 20-26.
Sarac, H. (2018). The Effect of science, technology, engineering and mathematics-stem education practices on students’ learning outcomes: a meta-analysis. Turkey Online J Edu Tech, 17(2), 125-142.
Saxton, E., Burns, R., Holveck, S., Kelley, S., Prince, D., Rigelman, N., & Skinner, E. A. (2014). A Common Measurement System for K-12 STEM Education: adopting an educational evaluation methodology that elevates theoretical foundations and systems thinking. Stud Edu Eval, 40, 18-35.
Taylor, K. (2016). Collaborative robotics, more than just working in groups: effects of student collaboration on learning motivation, collaborative problem solving, and science process skills in robotic activities. Boise State University.
Thomasian, J. (2007). Innovation america: building a science, technology, engineering, and math education agenda. National Governors Association: Washington, D. C.
Thomasian, J. (2011). Building a science, technology, engineering, and math education agenda: an update of state actions. NGA Center for Best Practices.
US Congress. (2015). STEM education act of 2015 (Public Law 114-59). US Congress: Washington, D. C.
US Department of Education. (2016). STEM 2026: a vision for innovation in STEM Education. https://innovation.ed.gov/files/2016/09/AIR-STEM2026_Report_2016.pdf.
Valentine, J. C., & Cooper, H. (2003). What works clearinghouse study design and implementation assessment device (Version 0.6). U.S. Department of Education: Washington, D. C.
Wood, G.H., Darling-Hammond, L., Neill, M. & Roschewski, P. (2007). Refocusing accountability: using local performance assessments to enhance teaching and learning for higher order skills. Briefing paper prepared for members of the congress of the United States: Washington, D.C.
Yakman, G. (2008). STEAM Education: an overview of creating a model of integrative education. http://steamedu.com/wp-content/uploads/F2014/12/2008-PATT-Publication-STEAM.pdf
Yildirim, B. (2016). An analyses and meta-synthesis of research on STEM education. J Edu Pract, 7(34), 23-33.
Zohar, A., & Dori, Y. J. (2003). Higher order thinking skills and low-achieving students: Are they mutually exclusive? J Learn Sci, 12(2), 145-181.
How to Cite
Zeng, Z., Yao, J., Gu, H., & Przybylski, R. (2018). A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of STEM Education on Students’ Abilities. Science Insights Education Frontiers, 1(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.15354/sief.18.re005
Issue
Section
Meta-Analysis
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