Mapping the Landscape of STEM Education in Primary Schools: A Bibliometric Review and Future Outlook
Abstract
Numerous issues exist regarding STEM education in elementary schools. These problems include: 1) ignorance of the need to develop curricula that are in line with elementary school students' cognitive development and comprehension; 2) indifference to the dearth of resources for STEM education, the lack of professional development, and the unequal distribution of STEM education resources, particularly in rural and developing nations. The author used the Scopus.com database to conduct a bibliometric study of primary school STEM education-focused articles in order to comprehend the current state of affairs about STEM education in elementary schools. The author used RStudio to analyze 203 of the papers, and a descriptive analytic approach was used to interpret the analysis's findings. The study's findings show that the quantity of publications devoted to the application of STEM in primary education has significantly increased over time. The number of publications devoted to the use of STEM teaching models at the primary school level shows this trend. The degree of development and STEM education literacy at the primary school level is influenced by the curricular policies, the technology resources available, and the instructors' readiness. More research should concentrate on a comprehensive and more integrated strategy with an emphasis on technological and pedagogical advancements in curriculum creation that is pertinent and aligned with 21st Century educational abilities if it is to have a meaningful and relevant impact.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Ahmad, S. R., Samsudin, M., Adenan, F., Zulkifli, M. F., Rahmawati, E., & Suhaimi, A. I. H. (2024). Evaluation of Academic Enhancement Program for Low-Income Students in Rural Malaysia. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 16(2), 241–251. https://doi.org/10.30880/JTET.2024.16.02.021
Amaaz, A., Mouradi, A., Erradi, M., & Allouch, A. (2024). Moroccan pre-service elementary teachers: attitudes toward STEM education and mobile devices. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 13(5), 3270–3283. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i5.28205
Babarović, T., Pale, P., & Burušić, J. (2018). The effects of the elementary school STEM intervention program on students’ attitudes and interests: The application of propensity score matching technique. Drustvena Istrazivanja, 27(4), 583–604. https://doi.org/10.5559/DI.27.4.01
Bircan, M. A., & Çalışıcı, H. (2022). The Effects of STEM Education Activities on Fourth Grade Students’ Attitudes to Stem, 21st-Century Skills and Mathematics Success. Egitim ve Bilim, 47(211), 87–119. https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2022.10710
Boz, T. (2023). Teacher Professional Development for STEM Integration in Elementary/ Primary Schools: A Systematic Review. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 15(5), 371–382. https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2023.306
Çaycı, B., & Örnek, G. T. (2019). Effect of Stem-Based Activities Conducted in Science Classes on Various Variables. Asian Journal of Education and Training, 5(1), 260–268. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.522.2019.51.260.268
Changpetch, S., & Seechaliao, T. (2019). The Propose of an Instructional Model Based on STEM Education Approach for Enhancing the Information and Communication Technology Skills for Elementary Students in Thailand. International Education Studies, 13(1), 69. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v13n1p69
Chiang, F. K., Zhang, Y., Zhu, D., Shang, X., & Jiang, Z. (2022). The Influence of Online STEM Education Camps on Students’ Self-Efficacy, Computational Thinking, and Task Value. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 31(4), 461–472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-022-09967-y
Child, E., & May, C. (2018). Integrated STEM curriculum : improving educational outcomes for Head Start children Integrated STEM curriculum : improving educational outcomes for Head Start children. Early Child Development and Care, 0(0), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2016.1185102
Chou, P. N. (2018). Skill Development and Knowledge Acquisition Cultivated by Maker Education: Evidence from Arduino-based Educational Robotics. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(10), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/93483
Costa, M. C., Ferreira, C. A. F., & Pinho, H. J. O. (2023). Physics of Sound to Raise Awareness for Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of STEM Hands-On Activities. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043676
Diana, N., Sukma, Y., Baptist, K. J., Subali, B., Mariyam, M., Kaniawati, I., & Sriyati, S. (2021). The Effect of Project-Based Learning in STEM on Students ’ Scientific Reasoning The Effect of Project-Based Learning in STEM on Students ’ Scientific Reasoning. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1835/1/012006
English, L. D. (2017). Advancing Elementary and Middle School STEM Education. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education , 15, 5–24. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-017-9802-x
Estapa, A. T., & Tank, K. M. (2017). Supporting integrated STEM in the elementary classroom: a professional development approach centered on an engineering design challenge. International Journal of STEM Education, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-017-0058-3
Fernández-Cézar, R., Garrido, D., & Solano-Pinto, N. (2020). Do science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experimentation outreach programs affect attitudes towards mathematics and science? A quasi-experiment in primary education. Mathematics, 8(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/math8091490
Fitrya, E., Adlim, M., Gani, A., Syukri, M., & Iqbal, M. (2020). Developing STEM- Based Student Worksheet to Improve Students ’ Creativity and Motivation of Learning Science. 9, 57–75.
Fung, E. B., Frey, M. R., Valmont, M. E., Caffey-fleming, D. E., Fraser, M., Williams, J., Killilea, D. W., Bogenmann, E., Livshits, S., & Boone, D. N. (2021). Success of Distance Learning During 2020 COVID-19 Restrictions : A Report from Five STEM Training Programs for Underrepresented High School and Undergraduate Learners. 4(3).
Gagnier, K. M., Holochwost, S. J., Ceren, M., & Fisher, K. R. (2023). Filling a gap: initial evidence for reliable and valid measures of students’ self-concept, self-efficacy, and interest in science with elementary students traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1242876
Gao, X., Li, P., & Shen, J. (2020). Reviewing assessment of student learning in interdisciplinary STEM education. 4.
Genek, S. E., & Küçük, Z. D. (2020). Investigation of scientific creativity levels of elementary school students who enrolled in a stem program1-2. Elementary Education Online, 19(3), 1715–1728. https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2020.734849
Gul, K. S., Kirmizigul, A. S., Ates, H., & Garzon, J. (2023). Advantages and Challenges of STEM Education in K-12: Systematic Review and Research Synthesis. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 9(2), 283–307. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.3127
Halliburton, P., Georgiou, H., & Nielsen, W. (2024). Makerspaces: Building Confidence in STEM for Primary Preservice Teachers. Research in Science Education, 54(4), 573–594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-024-10153-w
Hanif, S., Fany, A., Wijaya, C., & Winarno, N. (2019). Enhancing Students ’ Creativity through STEM Project-Based Learning. 2(December 2018). https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v2i2.13271
Honey, M. A., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, H. (2014). STEM integration in K-12 education: status, prospects, and an agenda for research. In STEM Integration in K-12 Education: Status, Prospects, and an Agenda for Research. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18612
Ilma, A. Z., Wilujeng, I., Widowati, A., Nurtanto, M., & Kholifah, N. (2023). A Systematic Literature Review of STEM Education in Indonesia (2016-2021): Contribution to Improving Skills in 21st Century Learning. Pegem Egitim ve Ogretim Dergisi, 13(2), 134–146. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.13.02.17
Jaipal-Jamani, K. (2024). Educational Robotics and Preservice Teachers: STEM Problem-Solving Skills and Self-Efficacy to Teach. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 50(4), 1–21.
Kanaki, K., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2022). Assessing Algorithmic Thinking Skills in Relation to Age in Early Childhood STEM Education. Education Sciences, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12060380
Kelley, T. R., & Knowles, J. G. (2016). A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education. In International Journal of STEM Education (Vol. 3, Issue 1). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0046-z
Khurma, O. A., Ali, N., & Khine, M. S. (2023). Exploring the impact of 3D printing integration on STEM attitudes in elementary schools. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13568
Larkin, K., & Lowrie, T. (2023). Teaching Approaches for STEM Integration in Pre- and Primary School: a Systematic Qualitative Literature Review. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 21, 11–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-023-10362-1
Li, Y., Xiao, Y., Wang, K., Zhang, N., Pang, Y., Wang, R., Qi, C., Yuan, Z., Xu, J., Nite, S. B., & Star, J. R. (2022). A systematic review of high impact empirical studies in STEM education. In International Journal of STEM Education (Vol. 9, Issue 1). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-022-00389-1
Lilly, S., McAlister, A. M., Fick, S. J., Chiu, J. L., & McElhaney, K. W. (2022). Elementary teachers’ verbal supports of science and engineering practices in an NGSS-aligned science, engineering, and computational thinking unit. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 59(6), 1035–1064. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21751
Madani, R. A., & Forawi, S. (2019). Teacher Perceptions of the New Mathematics and Science Curriculum : A Step Toward STEM Implementation in Saudi Arabia. 8(3), 202–233. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v8n3p202
Mafugu, T., Tsakeni, M., & Jita, L. C. (2022). Preservice Primary Teachers’ Perceptions of STEM-Based Teaching in Natural Sciences and Technology Classrooms. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 22(4), 898–914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-022-00252-z
Margot, K. C., & Kettler, T. (2019). Teachers’ perception of STEM integration and education: a systematic literature review. In International Journal of STEM Education (Vol. 6, Issue 1). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0151-2
Martínez-Borreguero, G., Naranjo-Correa, F. L., & Mateos-Núñez, M. (2022). Cognitive and Emotional Development of STEM Skills in Primary School Teacher Training through Practical Work. Education Sciences, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12070470
Mateos-Núñez, M., Martínez-Borreguero, G., & Naranjo-Correa, F. L. (2020). Learning science in primary education with STEM workshops: Analysis of teaching effectiveness from a cognitive and emotional perspective. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12083095
Meier, R. M., & Hendel, S. A. (2019). A Project-Based Learning Unit Plan: An Inquiry into Frogs. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 07(11), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2019.711006
Mercan, Z., Papadakis, S., Can Gözüm, A. İ., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2022). Examination of STEM Parent Awareness in the Transition from Preschool to Primary School. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114030
Micari, M., & Pazos, P. (2020). Beyond grades : improving college students ’ social cognitive outcomes in STEM through a collaborative learning environment. Learning Environments Research, 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-020-09325-y
Ng, C. H., & Adnan, M. (2018). Integrating STEM education through Project-Based Inquiry Learning (PIL) in topic space among year one pupils. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 296(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/296/1/012020
Nguyen, N. T. P., & Tran, L. H. (2024). Uncovering the Challenges and Requirements of Elementary School Teachers in Implementing STEM Educational Activities in Vietnam. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(6), 373–390. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.6.17
Ow-Yeong, Y. K., Yeter, I. H., & Ali, F. (2023). Learning data science in elementary school mathematics: a comparative curriculum analysis. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-023-00397-9
Safiee, N., Jusoh, Z. M., Noor, A. M. H. M., Tek, O. E., & Salleh, S. M. (2018). An early start to STEM education among year 1 primary students through project-based inquiry learning in the context of a magnet. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 296(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/296/1/012023
Sari, L. S., Fitriani, P., Tresnawati, N., & Khodari, R. (2024). STEM Approach to 4C Skills in Elementary School Students: A Systematic Literature Review. Scientiae Educatia: Jurnal Pendidikan Sains, 13(1), 10–27. https://doi.org/10.24235/sc.educatia.v13i1.18062
Singh-pillay, A., & Naidoo, J. (2020). Context Matters : Science , Technology and Mathematics Education Lecturers ’ Reflections on Online Teaching and Covid-19 Pandemic. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 19(6A), 1125–1136.
Siregar, Y. E. Y., Rachmadtullah, R., Pohan, N., Rasmitadila, & Zulela. (2019). The impacts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) on critical thinking in elementary school. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1175(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1175/1/012156
Slim, T., van Schaik, J. E., Dobber, M., Hotze, A. C. G., & Raijmakers, M. E. J. (2022). Struggling or Succeeding in Science and Technology Education: Elementary School Students’ Individual Differences During Inquiry- and Design-Based Learning. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.842537
Smyrnova-Trybulska, E., Morze, N., Kommers, P., Zuziak, W., & Gladun, M. (2016). Educational Robots in Primary School Teachers’ and Students’ Opinion About STEM Education for Young Learners. www.roboty.bielsko.pl,
Temelli, S., Etkinliklerinin, R., & Adayları, Ö. (2022). The Effect of STEM and STEM-Based Robotics Activities on Constructive Learning Environments Opinions of Teacher Candidates. 12, 137–163. https://doi.org/10.21733/ibad.948455
Thao, N. P., Huong, L. T. T., Dinh, N. V., Hang, N. T. T., Quyen, C. V., Cuong, L. M., & Thao, T. T. P. (2024). Current Situation of Primary School Teachers’ Integrated STEM Teaching Competence: An Exploratory Study in The Northern Mountainous Provinces of Vietnam. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 13(1), 64–75. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v13i1.49636
Toma, R. B., & Greca, I. M. (2018). The effect of integrative STEM instruction on elementary students’ attitudes toward science. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 14(4), 1383–1395. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/83676
Tresnawati, N., Saleh, I., Kurniawan, D. T., Sudarmin, S., & Wardani, S. (2019). Learning Science Through STEAM Approach (Science Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Integrated Ethnoscience in the Context of Batik Culture for Pre Service Teachers of Primary Education (Vol. 429). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WssJrCqDqN0&feature=s
Tresnawati, N., Saleh, I., Sudarmin, & Wardani, S. (2021). Science Batik Ciwaringin: The Implementation of Ethno-STEM PjBL Model in learning Biotechnology at PGSD Students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1842(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1842/1/012063
Tuyet, T. L. T., Thi, K. N., Duc, H. T., Giao, X. T. T., Thi, N. V., Tuong, V. H. K., Nhu, U. D. T., & Mai, A. L. T. (2024). STEM education in primary schools of Southeast Asian countries: An analysis of scientific publications in the Scopus database from 2000 to 2022. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/14432
Tytler, R., Prain, V., & Hobbs, L. (2019). Rethinking Disciplinary Links in Interdisciplinary STEM Learning : a Temporal Model.
Way, J., Preston, C., & Cartwright, K. (2022). STEM 1, 2, 3: Levelling Up in Primary Schools. Education Sciences, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12110827
Yahya, M. S., & Hashim, H. (2021). Interdisciplinary Learning and Multiple Learning Approaches in Enhancing the Learning of ESL among STEM Learners. 1057–1065. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2021.125078
Yalçın, V. (2021). The Effect of STEM Activities Prepared According to the Design Thinking Model on Preschool Children ’ s Creativity and. 41(May). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100864
Županec, V., Radulović, B., & Lazarević, T. (2022). Instructional Efficiency of STEM Approach in Biology Teaching in Primary School in Serbia. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416416
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53889/ijses.v5i2.660
Article Metrics
Abstract view : 57 timesPDF - 35 times
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anggun Ravena Umar, Gema Amades Regina Caeli, Ismahyati Maulidah, Tarmidzi Tarmidzi, Nailah Tresnawati
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
International Journal of STEM Education for Sustainability is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License