SFU Educational Review

School Leadership Development for Sustainability in the Post-Digital Era

Omotayo Adewale Awodiji — 2023-12-18

The role of school leaders must be balanced in attaining educational sustainability in the changing world. Millions of school students worldwide were affected by the COVID-19 shutdown, which accelerated the need for rapid digitalisation. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are embedded in 21st-century education. The ability to reorient students to the SDGs is key to achieving sustainable education in the post-digital era. This study examines school leadership development in a post-digital era from the sustainability perspective. To ensure sustainable education, school leaders must have relevant skills and competencies to lead schools in the post-digital age. In striving for a sustainable era, a school leader needs skills and knowledge to be an inspiring role model and motivator. School leaders must reorient students, teachers and all relevant stakeholders according to SDG goals to achieve sustainable education. Hence, continuous school leadership development is essential to accelerating digital transformation using factors such as leadership style, strategic planning, and knowledge management.

Disrupting STEM Education by Braiding Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Environmental Education

Stephanie Dodier — 2023-12-18

Learning is inherently connected. It is time to disrupt traditional STEM education by meaningfully embracing multiple perspectives such as Indigenous and environmental education learning principles. Through my story as a white non-indigenous science teacher, we explore the importance of acknowledging one’s feelings, the power of storytelling, my journey educating myself and embracing multiple perspectives inside my teaching practice. Because Aboriginal Ways of Being state that the “the deepest learning takes place in lived experience” (BCTF, 2017), I share my process and reflections on designing and implementing a specific unit about clam gardens in a secondary science classroom.

Struggles and Triumphs of an Early Childhood STEM Educator:

Jade Leong — 2023-12-18

This interview between a researcher (Poh) and an early childhood educator (Jade) delves into pedagogical approaches to teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in an early childhood classroom setting, focusing on children aged 1 to 5 years. Jade's journey of understanding and exploring STEM teaching is a reflection of the challenges faced by many early childhood educators. The conversation highlights the significance of teacher self-efficacy and experience, as studies show that higher training in STEM results in higher confidence, leading to higher rates of implementation in the classroom. However, research indicates that early childhood educators often lack in-depth professional preparation in math and science, resulting in insufficient content knowledge and a lack of confidence to provide quality STEM experiences for young learners.

The researcher, being a scientist and science educator, provides support to Jade's efforts in integrating STEM into her practices. Additionally, collaboration with the community, including volunteers from a science museum and the university, plays a crucial role in bolstering her confidence in engaging with STEM subjects.

This interview sheds light on the importance of continuous professional development and support for early childhood educators to effectively implement STEM teaching strategies. By sharing her reflections and experiences, Jade contributes to the development and implementation of integrated pedagogies that bridge the gap between technology, pedagogy, and content. Overall, this interview showcases the transformative impact of collaborative efforts and support systems in empowering early childhood educators to confidently and effectively engage young learners in STEM education.

Scientific Dissemination Practices in Basic Education

Daiana Campani — 2023-12-18

This work assumes that it is a basic school commitment to contribute to scientific dissemination, scientific literacy, and the establishment of a culture of science in society, especially in Brazil, a country where scientific denialism is still very present. The purpose of this text is to reflect on the challenges and results of a practical experience with scientific dissemination at the Fundação Escola Técnica Liberato Salzano Vieira da Cunha, a public technical high school in Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Two actions carried out by a Portuguese language teacher at the institution are reported: the work with the discursive genre news for scientific dissemination in high school classes and the editorial of the journal Liberato Científica, the institution's journal for scientific dissemination.

Decoding

Daniel Asel — 2023-12-18

Decoding delves into my personal experience of growing up in a Western educational system as an undiagnosed neurodiverse student. The purpose of this piece spotlights dyslexia – which in my experience included the daily decoding of written assignments, but also the process of decoding what it meant to be classified as having “poor comprehension” of verbal and social settings in the classroom. I want Decoding to challenge how we think about neurodiversity, and how Indigenous teachings honours the understanding of people in a holistic way in contrast to more compartmentalized approaches found in Western systems.

How Art Could Be Used to Educate Science

Hoang Do — 2023-12-18

The paper examines theories and examples between art and science, showing where they are similar, and how art and design can be used to educate and inform scientific data. Due to how vast both fields are in terms of specilizations, theories, and practices, the paper will mostly focus on theories of physics, mainly revolving around Isaac Newton, and art and design theories related to Newton and to color, and how these theories are foundational for pracitioners of these fields respectively. The paper will then propose methods of using art and design to educate science, and situations where that may apply.

Critical Pedagogy: A Creative Artistic Representation about Paulo Freire’s Work

Djeison Hoerlle — 2023-12-18

Integrating Artistic Knowing With Ancient STEM

Tanya Behrisch — 2023-12-18

Letter from the Editors

Poh Tan — 2023-12-18

Getting back to the real world

David Bryan Zandvliet — 2023-12-18

Today, STEM and/or STEAM frameworks dominate the discourse around science education and what constitutes a ‘scientific’ literacy. While no one definition prevails in the literature, this literacy is often defined in the context of a current national concerns and focuses largely on Eurocentric (western) models of science and/ or scientific knowledge in terms of concepts, models, theories, or principles. As it currently stands, the term STEM is mostly used when addressing educational policy and curriculum choices in schools, aimed at improving competitiveness in science and technology with implications for workforce and economic development (often with some missing voices from women and Indigenous communities). Without an important socio-cultural critique, education of this kind can maintain and promote hegemonic beliefs and values while ignoring collateral problems relating to scientific or technological development: many of which have been linked to social and environmental injustice. In this paper, I offer three perspectives in an effort to decentre the discourse around the STEM movement. Using the overlapping themes of biocultural diversity, two-eyed seeing and guided inquiry, I offer suggestions on how to reframe science education as an interdisciplinary practice centred on student and community needs. In these ways, science education can ‘get back to the real world’ and promote creative approaches to science literacy, problem solving and cultural inquiry.

A Novel Pedagogical Tool For Childhood Education In STEM And STEAM Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals In Africa

Ibiyinka Ogunlade — 2023-12-18

The integrating of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) in Early Childhood Education in developing countries has proved to be a workable strategy in enhancing inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all (SDG 4) towards achieving Sustainable Development Agenda by the year 2030.This paper presents a critical review of early childhood education in Africa, its impacts, benefits, challenges and plausible remedies. Theoretical frameworks in use were x-rayed with basic characteristics and types of pedagogical tools highlighted. A firsthand experience of non-formal, community-linked and integrated approaches, STEM Play cycle and Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach (CTCA) to STEM and STEAM education at childhood stage was carried out in Ekiti State, a rural –urban setting in densely populated Nigeria for this case study research. The role of culture and influence of environment in learning were showcased.

STEAM and English For Specific Purposes: Online Courses For Brazilian Students In Technology

Mariana Backes Nunes — 2023-12-18

Nowadays, we have an increase in informal online courses in Brazil with a variety of subjects, according to the student’s needs and interests. These informal courses could complement the knowledge learned in schools and universities, associating formal and informal learning, as defended by the Education 4.0 model. Additional languages, especially the English language, represent a great part of these courses as our society now understands the importance of English in a digital and technological world. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an area of English teaching-learning that takes into consideration the student’s needs in the curriculum design, focusing on a context where learners will use the language in real life. This area is also interdisciplinary because it connects linguistic structures with professional fields. For this reason, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education could be an interesting approach in ESP courses by providing an integrative method. Thus, this paper aims to analyze three informal online English courses designed for Brazilian students/professionals in Technology, considering the ESP and STEAM approaches, and compare them with university learners’ needs. After the analysis, we understand in this paper that informal English courses, particularly ESP ones, should be designed by an interdisciplinary group of professionals, such as language teachers and specialists in the area, in order to show a meaningful learning experience. Besides, it is important to go beyond a list of vocabulary, integrating the four language skills and working with genres connected to the student’s own area of study.

New Day

Herbert Shane Hartman — 2023-12-18

In the spirit of Indigenous storytelling and cultural significance, the artwork portrays a profound narrative. At its core is the image of a radiant light bulb, its rays symbolizing the birth of a new idea, akin to the moment when a light bulb ignites in one's mind. Yet, within this light resides a Raven, a sacred and central figure in many coastal First Nations stories. Raven embodies the timeless tale of light, a story woven through the fabric of Indigenous cultures.

Science in Informal Learning Spaces: Tinkering Space at Science World

Kristin Lee — 2023-12-18

Aside from unique architecture Science World has become iconic for families in Vancouver to explore hands-on exhibits and galleries that nurture their process of discovery and inspire connection with their natural, physical, and built environments. Our value of inquiry-rich, play-based, cross-disciplinary learning is embedded in every aspect of design, from fun interactive exhibits, engaging stage shows, and unique school programs. Throughout Science World you will discover that each gallery focuses on different themes and topics. Gallery spaces have their own narratives, learning goals, and outcomes. One of newest galleries at Science World is our Tinkering Space: The WorkSafeBC Gallery.

The Tinkering Space has daily tinkering programming where you can solve problems, make new things from existing parts, create something cool and imaginative, and learn through experimenting and making mistakes. You’ll also learn about the science behind safety and how important it is to choose the right tools for the job. This informal learning environment captures the playful spirit of Science World all in one place. Creating the Tinkering Space is an iterative journey, and we continue to work hard to build out the visitor experience and pedagogical practice we have today.

Fostering a Lifelong Love of Plants; Educator Stories from a Botanical Garden

Chantal Martin — 2023-12-18

With a growing interest in community-based STEAM education, 10 environmental educators with the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association share their experiences connecting people to plants at VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory, located on the unceded ancestral shared lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Each educator contributes various perspectives based on their unique backgrounds and lived experiences, which culminate in a shared story of passion for the natural world and its belonging in STEAM education. This narrative demonstrates that STEAM education flourishes when informal and formal educators work collaboratively and embrace new educational opportunities, engage senses through experiential place-based education, explore Two-Eyed Seeing and reciprocity, include diverse perspectives and recognize how lived experiences shape worldview, share passion and curiosity with learners, and foster appreciation of the natural world.

History Teaching In A Museological Space

Yuri Leonardo Rosa Stelmach — 2023-12-18

This paper aims to discuss issues concerning the teaching of History in museological spaces, based on the narrative of an experience at the Rio Grande do Sul Memorial, a place that generated the teaching-learning process of students who visited this space. We start from the narrative of the mediated educational action on the itinerant exhibition “Monuments and art: the history of the city at risk”, which exposed a series of monuments and public statues taken from the streets of Porto Alegre. By means of these pieces, the mediation sought to reflect on the silenced stories behind those sculptures, aiming to perceive other actors and groups silenced by the patrimonialization process. From a theoretical point of view, it drew on Vygotsky (2010) and Bakhtin (1992), with regard to interactive mediation; Siman (2013), with regard to teaching History through reading the city; and Ramos (2016), on the concept of generator object. Finally, it is believed that the students took possession of plural historical narratives about the city, through the narratives exposed and silenced by the urban historical heritage.

The The Influence Of A STEM/STEAM Education Based High School on Students of The Ivoti Institute

Jason Richner — 2023-12-18

The aim of this paper is to determine the difference between the STEM/STEAM education High School model and the Traditional Basic General education High School Model. Another important objective is to explain the benefits of the STEM/STEAM High School format being implemented in the Ivoti Institute, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. I start by giving the definition of STEM/STEAM education, and then talk about the New High School format that is being used in the Ivoti Institute. I explain all the benefits and opportunities that this educational setting brings to the students, and how it has affected my life, personally. STEM/STEAM education is the future of education, and will be extremely effective in the development of critical and autonomous individuals.

Tackling Demotivation in STEM Fields: A Student’s Perspective

Kavya Pandrangi — 2023-12-18

The fields of STEM/STEAM are ones in which curiosity and creativity meet a very high level of rigor. When navigating such a field, staying motivated and maintaining belief in oneself and one’s intelligence can prove difficult. Self-doubt and discouragement quickly creep in for many students, as they did for me at times. In this piece, I give an account of my STEM journey, from high school chemistry to science fairs, the challenges and disheartening moments that I faced, and the growth and inspiration that came out of them that I take with me as I begin to pursue a career in STEM.

Cell Death & Certainty

Diya Mukherjee — 2023-12-18

I’m Diya Mukherjee, a high school senior based in San Jose, CA with an interest in computational biology and public health. The summer of 2023 marked a turning point for me that is familiar to any science student: my first wet lab experience. I was given the incredible opportunity to participate in the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University in New York, NY, working with research mentors from the Fuchs Lab of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development on a project about the role of inflammation in skin cancer. Cell Death & Certainty depicts an incident from my third week of the program, in which many of my cell samples began to mysteriously die overnight. I deliberately wrote the story with a melodramatic tone, because I think that science so often feels that way.