Mathematics and Science Education Research Seminar
Exploring a Trajectory of Learning for Digital Technologies within Integrated STEM
Presented by: Dr Duncan Symons, Lecturer, University of Melbourne
As we move forward into what has become known as the fourth industrial revolution, no longer are traditional approaches to teaching that privilege rote learning of procedures and routines relevant to school age students. The development of a series of skills and understandings that I will describe as STEM Literacies are becoming increasingly fundamental. These STEM literacies include:
- Scientific Literacy
- Statistical Thinking
- Algorithmic Thinking
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Collaboration
- Problem Solving.
In this talk I will focus on the role of Algorithmic Thinking and a practical demonstration of how it can be developed across the Foundation to year 8 curriculum will be provided. The role of algorithmic thinking within integrated STEM and as a component of both the Digital Technologies and Mathematics curricula will be examined.
About the presenter
Dr Duncan Symons is a lecturer in science and mathematics education. His primary responsibilities involve preparatory teacher education in the fields of primary mathematics and science. Duncan's research interests include inquiry, investigative and problem based approaches to mathematics education in the primary years. He is also interested in how mathematics can be embedded within the broader curriculum. The adoption and promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as a means to achieve integration has become an area of research and teaching interest, and Duncan facilitates a program for teacher candidates at the University of Melbourne with this as a focus. Duncan has many research publications in the areas of technology embedded mathematics, dialogic approaches to mathematics instruction and integrated STEM education.