| Abstract [eng] |
Today, in the field of education worldwide, increasing attention is being given to the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) approach, which integrates various disciplines and promotes holistic learning. In Lithuania, the application of this method in preschool education is both relevant and significant, aiming to develop children who are capable of solving problems, thinking creatively and critically, and adapting to a rapidly changing world. Although the STEAM methodology is already widely applied in various educational institutions, its integration into preschool education is relatively new. This requires specific methodological tools, teacher training, and infrastructure adaptation to effectively implement the method with young children. The main scientific issue addressed in this project is the barriers to implementing the STEAM methodology in preschool education and the possibilities for reducing them. These include both internal barriers, such as teachers' preparedness and methodological tools, and external ones, such as a lack of financial resources and insufficient parental involvement. The aim of the study is to identify the barriers to implementing the STEAM methodology in preschool education and to propose strategies for reducing them. The object of the study is the barriers to the implementation of the STEAM methodology in preschool education. Research objectives: 1)to reveal the theoretical aspects of the STEAM concept; 2) to justify the research methodology for identifying barriers to STEAM implementation in preschool education;3) to identify the barriers to STEAM implementation and justify strategies for reducing them in preschool education. The research was conducted using a quantitative method. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to preschool education institutions that apply the STEAM methodology and was also published online. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software. The results of the study showed that the main barriers include: a lack of financial resources, insufficient parental involvement, a lack of cooperation with business and academic institutions, a lack of feedback on STEAM activities, a shortage of methodological guidelines, insufficient preparation in applying technological literacy, and a lack of specialized training The recommendations provided include: budget review, organizing informational meetings, establishing partnerships, implementing feedback systems, developing methodological tools, conducting technological literacy training, and organizing seminars. These results can be used in educational institutions to more effectively apply the STEAM methodology and reduce barriers.The project consists of several main parts. The first part includes a literature review and theoretical background on the STEAM methodology. The second part focuses on the methodology of the empirical research and the analysis of the results. The third part provides recommendations and practical strategies for reducing barriers. The project concludes with findings and suggestions for future research. |
