Science, Mathematics education helps creative, critical thinking

To produce a human capital of scientists and innovators, UAE is focusing on Stem education in schools and on to higher education.

A . Importance of Stem in schools
"In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalisation and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in Stem to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past."
- National Science Foundation
According to US State Department of Commerce, Stem occupations are growing at 17 per cent, while others are growing at 9.8 per cent. As the economy becomes more knowledge based, which further relies on 21st century skills and competencies, Stem and especially coding and making are becoming even more instrumental in determining the success of a student in their professional career. Not only does it help students develop technical skills, but it also makes them more competitive and prone to developing an inquiring mind. It is in these young minds that we invest our future and developing the "four Cs" of the 21st century skills: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication are important for survival in the 21st century and they form an integral aspect of Stem education.
As challenges get more complex in this digital age of dynamic global environment which requires sustainable development, students require these skills fostered by Stem, in addition to the foundational literacies. This is because only those jobs that require a non-routine, cognitive and creative skill set will survive the onslaught of automation that is becoming evident across all industries across the globe.
B. Stem in UAE
"The national strategy of innovation focuses on knowledge integration in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and other fields, all of which contribute towards strengthening the knowledge economy." - Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid
To produce a human capital of scientists and innovators, the country is focusing on Stem education in schools and on to higher education. To help guide the students in that direction, programs and strategies such as Smart Learning Program, Journey of Discovery: Innovation campaign, Young Thinkers Program, Stem Scholars Programme have been devised by various governmental and non-governmental organisations. The main goal is to reform education in the UAE to become one of the best education systems in the world. This will be measured by the country's performance in literacy, numeracy & scientific skills through TIMSS & PISA, as set out in the National Agenda Targets.
C. Role of technology in UAE educational landscape
UAE has assiduously worked towards ensuring a transformative and quality education by use of the latest technology in education. Schools across the UAE have set up advanced ICT infrastructure in a concerted effort to strengthen the overall standard of learning and complement standard curriculums. 'Smart Learning Initiative' launched by Shaikh Mohammed employs the latest and finest electronic information systems to promote an integrated approach in the educational process, reflecting comprehensive e-transformation in the federal government. UAE Ministry of Education has opened technology centres to bring innovation in teaching and learning and enable students with 21st century skills for lifetime employability and entrepreneurship. .
D. Future of Stem in schools
Stem education has emerged as one of the most sought after curriculum designs for integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into K-12 education. Schools have begun integrating Stem programmes with their national standards of curriculum alignment in order to increase student engagement, motivation and learning.
Stem programmes in schools will include pedagogical practices centered on the student's active learning, including cross-curricular integration, project-based learning, authentic and alternative assessments, writing literacy via research and reflection, creating partnerships with the business community, and solving or attempting to solve authentic, real-world problems.
Iyad Malaeb (Business Development Manager, INTEL Corporation)