The effects of STEM activities on the problem-solving skills of 6-year-old preschool children

Malcok B. A., CEYLAN R.

EUROPEAN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION RESEARCH JOURNAL, vol.30, no.3, pp.423-436, 2022 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 30 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/1350293x.2021.1965639
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION RESEARCH JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.423-436
  • Keywords: Word, STEM, problem-solving skills, preschool, early childhood, EDUCATION, CLASSROOM, STUDENTS, CURRICULUM, TEACHERS, DESIGN
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the effects of STEM activities on the problem-solving skills of preschool children were investigated. A two-group (study: n = 18 and control: n = 18) pre-test/post-test/retention test experimental design was conducted to collected data using a researcher developed General Information Form and an established Problem-Solving Skills Scale (4-7 years). The STEM activities prepared by the researcher were applied in the experimental group three days a week for eight weeks in addition to the National Education Program, whereas only the National EDUCATION Program was applied for the control group. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that STEM activities cause a significant difference in the problem-solving skills of 6-year-old preschool children (p < 0.05). The results showed that the effect of STEM activities on the problem-solving skills of 6-year-old preschool children is positive.