STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Computer science, astronomy, biochemistry, biomechanics, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering mathematical biology, Aerospace engineering, astrophysics, nanotechnology, neurobiology, nuclear physics, physics, and robotics, are some of its areas.
The main motive of STEM is to teach students about real-world applications and how they can be applied. This education creates critical thinkers, innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders who can solve future challenges.
We know that Science is everywhere, technology is expanding alarmingly, we use mathematics in everyday life without knowing, and Engineering is the foundation of every infrastructure and development. Most of the jobs require an understanding of Technology, mathematics, or science. STEM jobs are highly demanding and high-paying jobs.
Most of the developed nations focus on the STEM curriculum. Countries like the USA, GERMANY, JAPAN, UK, teach students about real-world applications and how they can be applied, from an early age. They know that Students are the pillars of the Nation and it is important to provide them with a good curriculum. So, they focus on how to make them think critically, solve the problems, create new things, and how to make the task easier which automatically leads to the creation of new products.
The scenario is very different in Nepal, we are more concerned about the theory than real-world applications. Our curriculum is mainly focused on theory. So, there is a perception that getting good grades only lands you a good job or have a good career, which is totally false. Getting good grades is a result of your hard work but talent cannot be solely defined by your grades. The founder of the biggest social site “Facebook”, one of the richest people, and also the creator of “Microsoft”, are the people who didn’t have a college degree when they started their company and they were average in their academics.
Nepal needs to have a curriculum that also focuses on STEM. Our education should also focus on how to make students think critically, deal with real-world applications, motivate them to innovate something new. The countries which focus on STEM are very developed countries.