An Analysis of Effective Secondary STEM Learning and Teaching Methods that Encourage Student Participation and Success in Secondary School and Beyond

Student participation and success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at secondary school and college are critical to the advancement and growth of STEM-based industries and organizations that are vitally important to the economy of the United States. This study explored the prevalent interest level and attitudes among high school students at the local school district towards STEM subjects such as the Sciences and Mathematics, and conducted a digital survey on study methods that high school students employ to support their success in these STEM subjects. The survey also gathered insights from the students about obstacles in their path to success in STEM subjects and about changes and improvements that will help them succeed. This study included in-person interviews of the district’s middle and high school Science and Mathematics teachers regarding their instruction methods, student engagement, and their ability to provide different perspectives to students through their teaching methodologies. While this study does not offer a comprehensive conclusion of effective STEM teaching and learning methods due to limitations in collecting data about actual student performance and grade trends, it presents useful insights about effective steps that both students and teachers can take to improve the students’ understanding of complex STEM topics and help them succeed in future STEM pathways in high school and beyond.