Integrating STEMM in Higher Education: a proposed curriculum development framework

Educational systems around the world are trying to grapple with the need for experts in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), who have expert knowledge and combined skills for working in collaborative teams to find solutions to local and global issues. Employers seek disciplinary experts as well as people who can act as connectors for groups and ideas and who share and communicate them effectively. Integration of the STEMM disciplines within teaching programmes is in its infancy, but there is recognition for providing extraordinary experiences in learning that develop collaboration and synthesis of divergent ways of thinking. A framework is presented for designing integrated STEMM course work in higher education. It includes authentic, student-centered, evidence-based, inquiry, problem-based learning through situated, immersive and experiential approaches that can support the deliberate development of skills for integrating thinking, problem-solving and for creating humanistic solutions for local and global issues.