IMPROVING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) TEACHING PRACTICE (TP): CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This study reviews the challenges of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teaching Practice (TP) at NCE level. The study was guided by the following research question: what is the reason(s) responsible for lack of interest by students for teaching STEM related subjects during Teaching Practice (TP). The study employed a survey methodology; a sample of which include students randomly drawn from Niger State College of Education Minna. The result shows that mindset rather than skills is the major impediment on the side of students in teaching STEM related subject. The main conclusion is that, improving STEM education is a multi-faceted and complex issue. To this end the need to embrace a range of new innovative teaching approaches is paramount. The major recommendation is that relevant stakeholders i.e. lecturers, students and parents should be consciously encouraged to partner and combine informative and persuasive forces to tackle the challenges of STEM education such as facilities, interest, teaching methods via new innovations for the benefit of the state and Nigeria as a whole in enhancing economic development.