Exploring the Exemplary STEAM Education in the U.S. as a Practical Educational Framework for Korea

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the U.S. has been identified as a significant national reform in K-16 education and curriculum in order to prepare students for the global economy of the 21st century. Korea has been facing very similar challenges to improve science, technology and mathematics education, in particular, the affective aspect of learning science and mathematics. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education has become a crucial issue in Korean education system. The major purpose of this exploratory study is to inform the exemplary framework of STEAM education in the U.S. for Korea and to provide descriptive and analytical accounts on STEAM teaching and learning as an innovative integrated convergence education. This study integrates the outcomes of research papers on STEM education and recent literature. It employs content analysis methodology qualitatively by analyzing and synthesizing the findings, conclusions, discussions, and recommendations of accumulated research works related to STEM/STEAM education. This study will help gain a stronger sense of the STEAM framework and will guide to develop the educational programs for Korea.