Proposed vission for teaching & learning stem synergic integration of [inquiry, stem and systemic] approaches

Abstract

Presently we live in the period, categorized as the era of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). This era makes way for the promises which are characterized by the fusion of the digital, biological, and physical worlds. Ample opportunities have ushered owing to the growing utilization of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet availability in our daily lives. In addition to that advanced wireless technologies, among others, have culminated into economic disruption with uncertain socio-economic consequences. This situation demands that we bring about such amendments in our educational systems that it caters for the 4th IR era. It is thus necessary for scientists and educators around the world to strongly support the education system that promotes learning of science with other fields under the umbrella of STEM. Because it prepares professionals who can transform society to innovation and sustainable solutions in the 4th IR era. Due to technology innovation and growth in the knowledge-related economy, there is a need for inculcating targeted and strategic skills, and that STEM is responding to the changing technological world. However, in order to circumvent its few shortcomings this method needs some improvisation which are being put forward in this presentation of ours and it suggests to employ a synergy of inquiry approach, STEM and SA teaching methodologies, which we believe that it enhances the student systems (systemic) thinking ability that enable them to build alternative benign creative systemic solutions for the global energy crisis, and then choose between them. [African Journal of Chemical Education—AJCE 12(1), January 2022]