Okul Öncesi Dönem Çocuklarında STEM

Abstract

Throughout history, the contents of knowledge, skills, and behaviors intended to be conveyed through education have been in a constant process of evolution, and diversities have been observed in teaching methodologies. In the current era, naming the competencies that individuals need to acquire as "21st Century Skills" and emphasizing the goal of nurturing individuals who possess these skills have become a prominent approach in the field of education. Among these skills, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches is increasingly recognized, as these methods transcend the boundaries between different disciplines, demonstrating how one area can support and complement another. The integrated consideration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines plays a critical role in imparting 21st Century skills. STEM education, which has become a priority in the education policies of many countries around the world, especially since the 2000s, is an excellent example of an interdisciplinary approach. It is emphasized that this approach should be applied across a broad spectrum, from preschool education to higher education.
This study focuses on the importance of implementing the STEM approach in early childhood education and aims to compile research conducted in this area. In this context, printed and electronic sources from the literature, especially regarding the use of the STEM approach in early childhood education in Turkey and worldwide, have been collected and analyzed.
Keywords: STEM Education, Early Childhood Education, Preschool Period