STEM Education from Asia: Trends and Perspectives

Asia is the largest continent in the world, and five of the top ten high-performing economies in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 are located in Asia. This book examines the STEM education policies and initiatives in Asian economies, as well as the training programs undertaken by STEM teachers, to explain why Asian students perform so well in STEM-related subjects. It is written by Asian academics and will provide valuable insights to policy makers, educators, and researchers interested in the topic of STEM education, especially in the Asian context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Asia, the largest continent on Earth, boasts a remarkable record in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, with five of the top ten high-performing economies situated within its borders. This outstanding performance in STEM-related subjects has sparked curiosity about the factors contributing to Asian students' exceptional success in these fields. In response, this book delves into the intricacies of STEM education policies and initiatives in Asian economies, as well as the comprehensive training programs undertaken by STEM teachers across the region.

The book is structured into four distinct sections, each accompanied by a concise passage of commentary that highlights the key takeaways from the chapters. Section one delves into the STEM policy environments prevalent in various countries and explores how these policies have been instrumental in promoting STEM as an essential component of national economic development. Section two focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities in STEM teacher education in the Philippines and Thailand, shedding light on the strategies employed to enhance the skills and expertise of these educators. Section three examines the STEM curriculum design, contextual factors, and challenges faced in four Asian economies, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. The fourth and final section presents snapshots of ongoing STEM education research efforts in Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore, providing valuable insights to policy makers, educators, and researchers interested in the field of STEM education, particularly within the Asian context.

Written by esteemed Asian academics, this book offers a wealth of valuable insights to policymakers, educators, and researchers alike. Chapters 7 and 11, in particular, are made freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. This license allows for unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction of the content, provided that proper attribution is given to the authors.

In conclusion, Asia's remarkable performance in STEM-related subjects is a testament to the dedication and innovation of its educators, policymakers, and students. By examining the STEM education policies and initiatives in Asian economies, as well as the comprehensive training programs undertaken by STEM teachers, this book provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to Asian students' exceptional success in these fields. As policymakers and educators continue to strive for excellence in STEM education, this book serves as a valuable resource for guiding their efforts and fostering a brighter future for generations to come.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367569150