STEAM Education: Restructuring the Indian Education System

A need of the hour, STEAM education is known to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics collectively. It helps students to become innovators from just being users of technology. As a robust system of education, STEAM education promotes creative, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. STEAM education has significantly gained popularity over the last few years as India is one of the countries which produces the highest number of scientists and engineers. According to a survey report, 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of mathematics and science skills.

The exam-based education model in India has acted as a barrier to students who have quality talent when it comes to being innovative, problem-solving and creative solutions. According to a survey report, children develop an interest in STEAM education at an average age of eight. This might be due to the fact that they feel fascinated by technology, gadgets and gizmos. Since the transition from being a user of technology to an innovator is a very slow process, schools should be funded and boosted with the tools to include STEAM education in the curriculum and bring it to life in the classroom.

The Indian education sector is focusing on the enhancement of its information and communications technology (I.T.) & smart class platforms through STEAM education. STEAM players in the Indian education sector are working with schools to set up STEAM centres and labs with upcoming technologies like Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Additionally, the government of India is helping educational institutions in upgrading the infrastructure with more engaging learning assets and management tools and implementing a Learning Management System, language labs, gamification etc.

Indian educators are, majorly, focusing on revamping the old-school teaching model by replacing it with STEAM education that could be more effective and fruitful for learners in the long run. In the near future, we might witness a diversified curriculum providing courses necessary for a professional career. Indian educators have started promoting STEAM education so that learners can have hands-on learning for enhanced development. Considering the fact that India is the 2nd most populated country, the government of India has finally ensured support to the diversified education societies.

he time may be just right for Indian educators to introduce STEAM education at a larger level. Countries throughout the world are introducing a curriculum that set frameworks and projects which apply the STEAM methodology. For instance, the U.K is providing school children with the micro: bit which is a small inexpensive codable device linked to a rich environment that allows teachers to use STEAM education to real-life problems. This system has been rolled out to one million children in the U.K and several other countries including Singapore and Iceland.

According to a survey report, India has the highest number of students in the world. Still, the gap between the skills offered and industrial demand is visible. The reasons for this could be many like lack of academic infrastructure, innovative yet interactive course methodology, qualified teachers etc. As a solution to this scenario, STEAM education is emerging as the new face of futuristic education. Since 2012, with the advent of STEAM education in India, science and technology have received a remarkable facelift and students’ skills & understanding have received a drive.

It is strongly believed that students exposed to STEAM education would have a better understanding of India’s emerging socio-economic challenges. The disciplines of STEAM education might help in producing visionaries, dreamers and thinkers. STEAM education would be able to create a new and better world, a world with knowledge, the world with wisdom and world with peace. The future and prosperity of a country are linked closely with the learning opportunities accessible to the natives. STEAM education would have a pivotal role in making the students more responsible.