Challenges and Opportunities in STEM Literacy: A Look from the Perspective of Youth in Latin America

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

The lack of literacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) represents a significant contemporary challenge. The deficiency in proper education in these areas limits the contribution of young people to society and the workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with existing educational deficiencies, has exacerbated this problem. This article examines the importance of capturing the attention of generations surrounded by technology and instant content of which the source and production process are often unknown. STEM education proposes a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, with a special emphasis on how human talent fosters interaction among diverse areas, their methods, and practices. In addition to a lack of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and indecision among students, there is also a problem with their uncritical formation of concepts about the sciences. For example, many students avoid careers that include exact subjects like mathematics, resulting in a shortage of professionals in the fields of science and technology. Solving major social problems requires collaboration among different individuals, organizations, and systems that have not yet achieved collective impact. The article questions whether an education system that takes into account individual differences and offers an accessible and enriching approach to STEM would have allowed for more balanced development and more informed and confident academic and professional decision-making. Greater STEM literacy is proposed as a first step toward improving the education system, emphasizing the need for collaboration, co-creation, and overcoming barriers to achieve comprehensive and equitable education.

Identifier

85179550033 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Cisci 2023 Vigesima Segunda Conferencia Iberoamericana En Sistemas Cibernetica E Informatica Vigesimo Simposium Iberoamericano En Educacion Cibernetica E Informatica Sieci 2023 Memorias

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.54808/CISCI2023.01.226

First Page

226

Last Page

232

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