Using Educational Robotics (ER) to Promote STEM Problem-Solving in Preservice Teachers

Abstract

With the recent emphasis on learning STEM skills across the k-12 curriculum globally, there is need to provide elementary preservice teachers (PTs) with knowledge of what STEM skills are and how to teach STEM problem-solving skills. In many k-12 curricula, the teaching of STEM skills is mainly incorporated into the science and mathematics curricula. The literature suggests that educational robotics (ER) is an instructional activity that can support school students learn STEM skills. This chapter reports on a study that explored how middle school PTs engaged in STEM problem-solving during a robotics activity. A qualitative, comparative case study design was employed. Data sources included a problem-solving worksheet, audio-recordings of group interactions, and video-recordings or photographs of artifacts. The discourse of six PT groups was analyzed using a STEM problem-solving framework. The results provide insights into the STEM problem-solving decisions of PTs during these ER activities such as PTs drawing on mainly everyday, practical experiences and some basic STEM knowledge to frame and plan the problem, and solving through trial-error-trial feedback loops. Recommendations are made for enhancing PTs STEM problem-solving and the design and implementation of ER activities for elementary students.