These days, people have mentioned 'STEM' (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) really often and feelings about this topic are mixed. It is toward the 'bitter' side for quite a few on the social sciences end.
I came across an article written by Rahuldeep Gill on July 20, 2016 entitled, ‘Nothing “Soft” About Soft Skills.’ and it’s the right time to share with you ka.
Though it focuses on American education, there’re many implications we need to think further to fit best with our own contexts, complications, and confusion.
The author points out that ‘STEM’ fields are highly valued because of graduates’ higher pay than those majoring in History, English, and Sociology (Um! English could make much more money here in our country than the other two mai ka?) STEM thinking has helped solve important human problems as well.
His argument is, “Can human problems be solved without human skills, like team-building and introspection?”
He stated that, ‘some of the most exciting work happening on college and university campuses, isn’t happening in labs, or in lecture halls. It’s happening at coffee shops, dorm lounges, and in student unions.” He also mentions that it means students work together to plan and raise awareness…….and students are able to break out of their shells and build relationships with one another. This model, according to him is the kind of open, thoughtful society that our students hope to live in. Opening up to the society/community like helping underserved communities or working across lines of religions and faiths, enriches students to see a world of possibilities that seems closed off to them together for a common goal…something that’s more important than each specific field itself.
“We would never want to graduate a generation of technical thinkers who couldn’t relate to others. Gender and racial inequities in STEM careers themselves are among the myriad human problems that need solving.” Rather, he says students need to learn how to navigate in diverse social environments and learn how to build community. They should be provided spaces where they can practice being brave and speaking their minds. …we need leaders who are equipped with human solutions.
True innovations happen in communities. Dreams are realized in partnerships, not alone. Our students are practicing dream-making when they mentor each other, extend the classroom, and expand their minds. This is what will build a better future tomorrow.
I’ve drawn quite a few keywords from this article. They are: ‘attitudes toward the two sciences’, ‘balance of the two’, ‘soft skills amid technology advances (and craze like Pokemon Go), ‘required qualities of students for distant tomorrow’, ‘needed thinking and actions for safe and secure world’, etc.
Cheers to the two sciences and hope we humans can maximize their benefits for our better future tomorrow kaaa!
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