Evaluation of STEM Education Supported by Nature Courses and Informatics According to Students’ Views

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the courses designed using the STEM approach, which combines nature-based learning environments with informatics from the perspective of students. Under the scope of nature-based courses, such as "Drama, Biomimicry, Ecoprint, Basic Electricity, Metamorphosis, and Bridging Science" were conducted for 10 days. Following, informatics-based courses such as “Digital Storytelling, Algorithm and Augmented Reality/Visual Block Programming” were instructed to students and employed to perform STEM activities by getting the inspiration of the courses. Then the views of 37 middle school students who participated in the courses were collected using a semi-structured form of qualitative data collection tools in four categories: Preparation, Instructional Material, Process, and Contribution. The data were analyzed by categorical content analysis, and the findings related to each subcategory, concept, and code for each category were presented in tables. In order to increase coding reliability, the opinions of two field experts and a measurement and evaluation expert were consulted. Consensus was reached with another expert, resulting in a 95% agreement. According to the study results, the students expressed positive opinions on the courses in general and stated that courses and game-based lessons that are based on learning by doing and experiencing are more interesting, and that the combination of nature-based learning and information technology is an important experience for them.