VietNam
A research report titled “Implementing STEAM Education in Vietnamese Preschools: An Analysis of The National Early Childhood Curriculum Framework” by three researchers: Dr. Tran Viet Nhi, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Vinh and Dr. Bui Thi Lam was presented at the recent “9th International Conference on Educational Reform with the theme of Education for Sustainable Development” in Thailand (ICER2023).
The research analyzed Vietnam’s National Early Childhood Education (ECE) curriculum and propose recommendations for implementing STEAM education in Vietnamese kindergartens.
The research explored 3 questions on the topics of implementation of STEAM education in early childhood education (ECE), the potential benefits and challenges of integrating STEAM into the ECE curriculum, the alignment of the current National ECE curriculum in Vietnam with STEAM education, and the recommendations for implementing STEAM education in Vietnamese kindergartens:
- Question 1: What is STEAM, and how has STEAM education been implemented in ECE worldwide?
- Question 2: What are the potential benefits and challenges of integrating STEAM into the ECE curriculum?
- Question 3: How does the current National ECE curriculum in Vietnam align with STEAM education, and what recommendations can be made for implementing STEAM education in Vietnamese kindergartens?
The report starts with an up-to-date comparative overview of STEAM approach in ECE as an educational innovation strategy in various countries, including the USA, European countries, Asian countries, and Southeast Asian countries.
In the United States, for example, the implementation of STEAM in ECE is driven by a growing interest in STEM education and the recognition of the importance of ECE in shaping children’s future careers. As per the National Science Board (NSB, 2018), STEAM education can facilitate the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in children and prepare them for the evolving requirements of the job market. There are various strategies and initiatives in the United States to promote STEAM in ECE. For example, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program, which supports the development of innovative, research-based learning experiences in informal STEM education settings, including ECE programs (NSF, n.d.). In addition, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has developed the “STEM for all Ages” initiative, which provides resources and support for early childhood educators to integrate STEM learning into their curricula (NAEYC, 2018).
The findings of this research show that STEAM education provides children with a well-rounded education that prepares them for future careers and lifelong learning. The integration of STEAM into ECE has been widely adopted worldwide and offers many potential benefits, such as the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creativity, and an understanding of real-world applications. However, the implementation of STEAM education in ECE also poses challenges, including the need for significant resources and teacher training and the need to balance the focus on STEM and the arts. The current National ECE curriculum in Vietnam aligns well with STEAM education; implementing STEAM education in Vietnamese early childhood education (ECE) requires comprehensive policy initiatives, teacher training, integration into the curriculum, parent and community engagement, and provision of necessary resources.
Model of the current Vietnamese National ECE Curriculum Framework (source: Report “Implementing STEAM Education in Vietnamese Preschools: An Analysis of The National Early Childhood Curriculum Framework”)
The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) should provide guidelines and support for integrating STEAM subjects into the curriculum, while also fostering partnerships between ECEs and local entities. Teacher training is vital for effective integration of STEAM subjects, and ECEs can gradually incorporate STEAM education into their curriculum at various levels. Engaging parents and the community creates a sense of ownership, and providing resources such as manipulatives and loose parts facilitates hands-on learning. By following these recommendations, Vietnamese ECEs can provide engaging STEAM education that prepares children for future success and enhances their overall development.
The authors’ recommendations are based on current research and best practices in STEAM education. However, the implementation of these recommendations may face limitations and challenges, such as limited financial and resource allocation for STEAM education, inadequate teacher training and support, and cultural attitudes towards STEAM subjects. It is important to consider these limitations and work towards finding solutions to address them in order to ensure the effective implementation of STEAM education in ECE in Vietnam. Further research is also needed to determine the impact of STEAM education on child development and to evaluate the effectiveness of different teaching methods and resources.
Recommendations for implementing STEAM education in Vietnamese ECE (source: Report “Implementing STEAM Education in Vietnamese Preschools: An Analysis of The National Early Childhood Curriculum Framework”)
Up-to-date STEM curriculum for preschools, like KidsEdu STEM curriculum is one step forward to ensure that Vietnamese kindergartens are equipped with the resources and support necessary to implement STEAM education effectively.
The full text of ““Implementing STEAM Education in Vietnamese Preschools: An Analysis of The National Early Childhood Curriculum Framework” can be viewed or downloaded here.
