STEM – STEAM – STREAM: A Call for Evolution to STREAMS

It was fantastic to attend Bett Asia 2019 and meet so many wonderful educators and innovators sharing magnificent resources and inspiring ideas. It certainly provided lots of food for thought.

In relation to education in Malaysia, one suggestion arising is evolving STEM to STREAM such that Reading (literacy) and Arts are included. This almost echoes the thinking of the team at Dumond!

For several years before Dumond Education became a reality, the narrow focus on STEM (to the exclusion of other subjects/ in comparison to the value assigned to other subjects) was a matter of concern .

As time has gone by, STEAM has gained traction and now come the calls for STREAM.

At Dumond, we believe strongly in the need for a balanced education. It is our belief that what is needed is STREAMS. As well as having a breadth of subject knowledge, our pupils need to develop the Social and interpersonal thinking and learning skills to enable them to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully with others.

With an ever-increasing focus on 21st Century skills, the question for educators is where do these fit in a STEM model? Where do they fit in a STEAM model? Does a STREAM model fully encompass them?

It is the view of Dumond that a STREAMS model is necessary if our curriculum is to include all the skills our young learners need to equip them for the future.

What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you!