Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Creativity and imagination in children
Parents influences on child development
Parental influence on child development
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Creativity and imagination in children
Biochemists, software developers, civil engineers, and research analysts all have one thing in common: these are all classified as occupations under the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math- otherwise known as STEM. STEM-related jobs are responsible for many technological advances that improve the world’s standard of living. Despite society’s dependence on STEM disciplines, studies have been shown that “[j]ust over 1 in 10 [high school] graduates indicated interest in a STEM major or occupation” (The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2013). Many experts agree that more students are needed to pursue these fields; the varying factor is how to get them interested in STEM in the first place. Some people believe schools lay …show more content…
Many young Americans love watching TV shows online, like The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad, that do incorporate scientific concepts into their plotlines. What the entertainment industry can do to make young Americans more interested in STEM is to expand on popular themes in Hollywood with science, math, and technological concepts. Mayim Bialik, a neuroscientist and Emmy-nominated actress from The Big Bang Theory, elaborates on this in her article “Use Hollywood Plots and Characters to Teach STEM”: “The confines of a classroom, combined with teaching methods that are not engaging or inspiring, will not get today’s students excited enough about STEM... We need to use content that is relevant to their sensibilities--stuff that is cool-- and to let them experience what it’s like to be a scientist….” The current way in which science and math is promoted is not effective enough to dramatically increase interest in STEM; instead, TV shows and movies can be the type of content that bridges STEM subjects to the career interests of young Americans. Bialik then continues, “Zombies, it turns out, can teach real science and mathematical concepts like exponential growth curves and the intricacies of human anatomy and anatomical degradation...Superheroes can prompt a variety …show more content…
Tara Chklovski, chief executive of Iridescent, a nonprofit devoted to science and engineering education, states this view best by saying that schools lay a good foundation for scientific learning, but the role of parents should be enhanced; they can nurture their children’s creativity and critical thinking skills by experimenting in the kitchen or helping kids with toy designs (Parents Can Help). I concur with the fact that parents can be great motivators for their children’s scientific creativity; for instance, my father has always encouraged me to pursue my curiosity towards science and has been very supportive towards my dreams of working in the science field. However, to state that his support was the only motivator in my decision to pursue my interest in science would be a lie. Relying too much on parents to motivate their children would not let students to enjoy STEM disciplines through other effective mediums; students must learn to enjoy these subjects on their own in order to devote their careers towards them. In addition, the fact that not enough high school students state their interest in STEM show that schools can continue to improve the foundations for STEM curricula. John Mighton, a mathematician, playwright,
In today’s world, diversity is the highest point and people of many different backgrounds, races, gender, or religion. This diversity can provide better performance in real world situations. In the article, “Diversity in STEM: What It Is and Why It Matters,” Kenneth Gibbs, Jr., an author who has a Ph.D. in immunology and trains the next generation of scientists, discusses why he believes diversity is important in the real world and how a lack of it may result in some issues. Gibbs, Jr. proposes how diversity influences and benefits the STEM fields and other fields by providing testimonial evidence. The author argues that diversity will enrich the STEM field and provide it with a great deal of problem solving. Gibbs, Jr. discusses the meaning
Today’s college students have the opportunity and freedom to choose their major and their career path. Many factors influence the decision of a college student’s career paths including background, general interests, personal strengths, time commitment, and job outlook. Although many important decisions are made in college, one of the most important is the choice of major and career track. Out of hundreds of majors the science and engineering fields are under-represented by women. Although the numbers of women in science technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, majors has been increasing in the past years, women still are in the minority in the STEM fields. In her study, Lona Whitmarsh concluded, “that career opportunities for women have widened,” but “not enough change has occurred to show significant differences between the overall population” (49). It is good that more women are entering these fields, but there are still not enough young women aspiring to fill the gaps. Further statistics show that female representation in engineering continues to be low, “in 2008 only 19 percent of bachelor’s degrees, 22.9 percent of masters, and 14.8 percent of PhDs in engineering were awarded to women” (Bystydzienski 2). Although there has been a general increase of women entering the fields of science and mathematics, overall the numbers are still low, showing that women struggle in pursuing a degree within these fields, and that many factors can lead to a female not choosing to begin or complete college in a STEM major. Women are in the minority of STEM fields.
It brings the four subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics together by using technology to create a way to practice, solve, and apply what has been learned. It was created to provide students with education and skills that would enable them to begin working directly after high school (Introduction to Teaching, 6th Edition). STEM schools have many pros to them. STEM schools provide greater job opportunities. In The Rising Popularity of STEM: A Crossroads in Public Education or a Passing Trend, Chen writes, ".The
Growing up, my parents stressed and lecture hard work and the importance to become a respected person in the STEM field. To be a doctor, lawyer, or pharmacist was the most important for them, to be able to glorify
I grew up in a household where education was seen as a form of self-improvement and empowerment. Being raised in rural Central California by two Filipino immigrants who had nothing more than a high school education, my family did not have an educated or intellectual history I could look up to. That is, until my mother decided to get a college education at the age of 45. I must have been in middle school at the time, before which the word “college” was never really spoken or talked about and I could honestly say I only had a vague idea of what it even was. Rather than having the traditional sit down talk with my parents about higher education, my mom clearly spoke to me through example. I distinctly remember times where I would be her study buddy, and while doing so, I found myself leisurely enjoying the pages of her science textbooks. Instead of asking her questions related to her upcoming text, I inquisitively asked juvenile questions like, “How do the genes make us?” Today I know that this is a very big and complex question that we are still trying to answer. Yet at that moment, I wanted an answer, but mother did not have the solution, nor did the textbook. That was the birth of my pursuit of scientific career.
Have you wondered what would be the best degree to have in your life? The STEM vs. Humanities argument is a decades-long debate, but in this new era, the answer is quickly becoming clear. The STEM field is rapidly growing, with new and innovative advances. STEM degrees are becoming increasingly useful for young adults, far ahead of humanities and liberal arts degrees. STEM majors make more money, are better employed, and are better educated and prepared for work. STEM graduates are making nearly $16,000 more than their liberal arts counterparts and are more likely to hold a full-time job. The job market for STEM fields is also favorable for young adults, with the unemployment rate of STEM majors being a full 1.6% lower than the unemployment
When STEM programs started to be implemented earlier and earlier, the coalition announced it was because the earlier they reach the children, the more the children become interested and stay interested in those lines of work, leading to more successful careers made in STEM fields. When the program was implemented in middle schools and even in elementary schools, parents could understand their reasoning and gave their support in order to ensure their children were getting the best quality of education possible. However, since the program has reached the preschool level, parents have been doubting whether or not it could actually be benefiting
In the field of philosophy, zombies are imaginary creatures that are used to illuminate problems regarding consciousness and its relation to the physical world. As compared to those in witchcraft or films, zombies are exactly like human beings in every physical aspect but without conscious experiences. However, zombies behave like humans and some of them even spend considerable amount of time discussing consciousness. While few people believe in the existence of zombies, many state that they are at least conceivable, and some argue that they are possible. Consequently, there are arguments that if zombies are increasingly a bare possibility, then some kind of dualism is true and physicalism is false.
Science communication faces some major representation issues in modern society. One notable controversy, as mentioned by John Oliver, points to fruitless debates shown on television or various social media outlets as the reason people are still having doubts or disagreeing with clear-cut facts. These needless debates are routinely nationally televised to a large, loyal viewership and tend to spur social dialogue. Individuals with no to average science education have a tendency to base arguments off of well-known topics and will mention random information or facts in order to appear sophisticated. Television and social media networks understand that arguing about a topic is much more entertaining and keeps people talking instead of just finding
Within the past decade, more and more kids have been given the opportunity to attend school past high school, something that the previous generations have not had. In a current news release, The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that, “Of the 2.9 million youth age 16 to 24 who graduated from high school between January and October 2014, about 68.4 percent were enrolled in college in October” (BLS Economic News Release from April 2015). When a student decides to go to college, they usually think that they are free from all the basic classes that they disliked in high school, and that in college you can just take the time to focus on the ones that interest you or that pertain to your career. But, rather quickly, they find that this is far from
Recent studies on parental involvement in education have found that there are many benefits for both the student and the adult when parents become involved in their children’s education. Without parent support, it is very difficult for a child to be motivated. From what I have seen growing up, only a small percentage of students are self-motivated, so it is absolutely vital that parents assist in the motivation process. I found this table to be particularly interesting and important.
Public understanding of science is considered to be one of the most important issues facing educators in today’s technological world. It is see...
Parental involvement in a student’s learning career can make the difference between a C student and an A student. This is not a very controversial idea. However, factors outside of the parents control often make it harder for them to become involved. Today I am writing to you; the parents of my students. I will be asking all of you to take an active role in your young one’s education. I understand that long work hours make it difficult to set aside extra time. But, it must be noted that any extra time you can make will be a huge difference.
Parent involvement is one of the most influential aspects of student motivation. The parents are the initial teachers of the child before the child goes to school and encounters education through a teacher. If a parent is completely engaged in the learning process with a child, there can be growth between the child and the parent simultaneously. The parents set an example for the child, so that the child understands that help is in the classroom and at home. Alma Wright, a first and second grade teacher, believes that parents in the classroom are a good way to stimulate children. She says, “Their active participation is a positive influence. The school is open for parents to share their talents and motivate their children” (Drew, Olds, and Olds, 1974, p. 71).
In the United States, many lack the skills necessary for college. Unfortunately, the education system fails to prepare some of its students for work or higher learning. Despite these circumstances, teachers and bureaucrats seek improvements to obtain higher success. In spite of the pressure for success, the current situation is not yielding the desired results. Moreover, in the recent State of the Union Address in early 2014, President Barack Obama stated the need for improved education, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM fields. Yet, what should reformers pursue? Researchers have observed recurring problems to direct the improvement of education. The information presented, particularly over the past ten years, has revealed a need to involve the students that lag the most. Education risks excluding k-12 boys and minorities, as well as remedial education collegians, in higher education.