STEM Program Promote Social Skills and Team-Based Learning in Special Education Classrooms

STEM is an interdisciplinary and applied approach to educating students in four specific disciplines – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The curriculum was developed as a response to waning interest among the general school population. Only about 20 % of those students gravitate toward careers involving those subjects. Yet, according to a STEM3 Academy report, that number is actually 34% among kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. 

Children with special needs especially thrive in active, hands-on, problem-solving classroom environments. They have prolific visual discrimination and pattern recognition skills, with a single-minded ability to concentrate for extended periods of time, and successfully engage in repetitive activities. The bottom line is that they are bright, eager to learn, and hard-working.

We assume competency. If you set the bar high and create an environment that allows them to reach it, students with special needs will learn at higher levels.

We build on their strengths and interests. Our students are comfortable and excited about learning because we use their strong points as leverage.

We use assistive-technology tools. Students with hearing or visual loss benefit the most from this. They are provided with handouts and written materials in a digital format.

We are safety-first. When our students are working with equipment to design devices for solving their problem, we remain on high alert.

We are role models. Persistence, communication, creativity and collaboration are the qualities we attempt to demonstrate for our students. We understand their need for help with social and interpersonal skills.

We establish collaborative student teams. Respect and inclusiveness are non-negotiable. Teammates are taught to honor each other’s strengths and accept one another’s differences. Once again, as social skills are promoted, bullying does not stand a chance.