Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
4th International STEM Education Conference, İstanbul, Türkiye, 8 - 09 Temmuz 2023, (Özet Bildiri)
In the 21st century, vocational and technical education
institutions must adapt to advancements in science and technology to meet the
evolving demands of the workforce. The competencies that vocational and
technical education (VTE) students require upon graduation are directly aligned
with the needs of modern working life, particularly in the context of STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Teachers play a
critical role in equipping students with STEM-related 21st-century skills. This
study aimed to explore vocational and technical high school teachers'
perspectives on STEM integration. A qualitative case study approach was
employed, and data were collected through open-ended questions developed by the
researchers. Seventeen teachers working in Vocational and Technical High
Schools participated in the study. The findings revealed that teachers view
STEM integration as essential for concretizing abstract knowledge, fostering
problem-solving skills, encouraging product development, and addressing the
workforce's need for qualified personnel. The study highlights the importance
of incorporating STEM approaches into VTE to better prepare students for the
challenges of the modern labor market.