STEM Everyday

STEM Everyday #246 | The State of STEM Education | feat. Ann Woo

Apr 30, 2023

Ann Woo, STEM educator and survey participant, discusses the positive impacts of STEM programs in US public schools. They highlight the benefits of Problem-Based Learning during the pandemic. The podcast explores the importance of engaging students, supporting educators, and the excitement of hands-on STEM activities. It emphasizes the significance of STEM education and the need for more teachers in the field. The speakers also discuss building a legacy in STEM education and enhancing collaboration between companies and classrooms.

20:18

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Episode guests

Ann Woo

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Quick takeaways

Many STEM educators are experiencing burnout, highlighting the need for support and resources to improve STEM education.

Project-based learning and recognition play vital roles in stimulating energy and interest in STEM education, inspiring creativity and innovation.

Deep dives

Survey Reveals Burnout Among STEM Educators

A survey conducted by Samsung, as part of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest, revealed that many STEM educators are experiencing burnout. The survey aimed to understand how teachers were feeling after the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges they faced. The data showed that teachers felt burnt out and less supported, leading to a need for action to improve STEM education. Despite this, the survey also highlighted that students are still enthusiastic about STEM, which serves as a reminder of the importance of STEM education. The survey emphasized the need to recognize and support teachers and to provide them with tools and resources to inspire and energize them.

Introduction

2min

The Importance of Engaging Students and Supporting Educators in STEM Education

7min

Challenges and Solutions in STEM Education

2min

The Excitement of Hands-on STEM Activities

4min

The Importance of STEM Education and Supporting Teachers

3min

Building a Legacy in STEM Education

4min

The State of STEM Education survey was released by Samsung Solve for Tomorrow on March 23, 2023. The positive impacts that U.S. public schools and their communities enjoy from STEM programs were underscored in a new survey conducted among some of the nation’s leading middle and high school STEM educators. Nearly 60% of teachers indicate that although teaching STEM is challenging, it offers educators unique rewards by engaging their student’s curiosity and enhancing their motivation.
Teachers also responded that implementing the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) techniques utilized in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM projects helped counteract the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education at their schools.

Each year Samsung hosts a national competition for public schools grades 6–12 in which students are asked to consider how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities. 2022 marked the 13th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, and with the help of their teachers, students competed to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their prototypes.

To learn more about the annual contest, and for official contest rules, please visit samsung.com/solvefortomorrow. Registration generally begins each September.
“We have seen the incredible projects that have emerged from the minds of students through this contest, and we cannot wait to see the ideas that come to life this year that will undoubtedly ignite lasting impact on communities while reducing our collective impact on the planet,” said Ann Woo, Senior Director of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America.

To reach out to Samsung with any ideas/questions, email solvefortomorrow@sea.samsung.com

(Listen to Ep 232 & Ep 217 for more ideas & info from Ann and contest winning teachers)

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