Subject Integration and Theme Evolution of STEM Education in K-12 and Higher Education Research

This systematic review analyzes STEM education research across K-12 and higher education, highlighting the integration of diverse subjects and the evolution of research themes. It finds a gradual shift from higher education to K-12, with increasing emphasis on humanism and culture, and identifies learning outcomes as a dominant theme while pedagogy remains understudied.

Zehui Zhan; Shijing Niu· Humanities and Social Sciences Communications· 2023· DOI 10.1057/s41599-023-02303-8

The core problem

STEM education has garnered significant attention over the past two decades, generating a wealth of research findings. This study systematically reviews the published literature from the perspective of subject integration and theme evolution, considering both K-12 and higher education contexts. The aim is to map the landscape of STEM education research, identify key trends, and propose future directions. The review addresses the following questions: (1) How have subjects integrated within STEM education research? (2) How have research themes evolved over time? (3) What are the differences between K-12 and higher education? (4) What are the emerging trends?

The study employed a systematic literature review approach. A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, yielding a substantial number of articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a final set of publications was selected for analysis. The analysis focused on identifying the subjects involved, the research themes, and the distribution across educational levels. Both quantitative (e.g., frequency counts) and qualitative (e.g., thematic analysis) methods were used to synthesize the findings. The review covered literature from the inception of STEM education to recent years, ensuring a comprehensive overview.

Introduction

STEM education has garnered significant attention over the past two decades, generating a wealth of research findings. This study systematically reviews the published literature from the perspective of subject integration and theme evolution, considering both K-12 and higher education contexts. The aim is to map the landscape of STEM education research, identify key trends, and propose future directions. The review addresses the following questions: (1) How have subjects integrated within STEM education research? (2) How have research themes evolved over time? (3) What are the differences between K-12 and higher education? (4) What are the emerging trends?

The findings indicate a dynamic evolution of STEM education research. The shift from higher education to K-12 suggests a growing recognition of the importance of early exposure to STEM. The integration of humanities and social sciences reflects a broader understanding of STEM as encompassing humanistic values and cultural contexts. The prominence of computer science and art in K-12 aligns with the growing importance of digital literacy and creativity. In higher education, the focus on engineering and chemistry may be due to their direct relevance to industry and societal needs. The predominant interest in learning outcomes highlights a concern for accountability and effectiveness, but the relative neglect of pedagogy suggests a need for more research on teaching methods and instructional design. Future trends should focus on cultivating students' thinking competencies, career development, and pedagogy.

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