Historically, students in special education have often received inadequate attention in the realm of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. This discrepancy can be attributed to a range of factors, including the absence of inclusive approaches, limited resources, insufficient training, and a lack of expertise.
Regrettably, one of the primary culprits behind this disparity is the persistence of misconceptions and biases regarding the capabilities and needs of special education and youth transition program students. These unfounded beliefs lead to lowered expectations regarding their involvement in STEM subjects, resulting in a lack of encouragement and support for these students to pursue these fields. This prevailing perspective places more emphasis on their weaknesses rather than their strengths, ultimately doing these students a disservice.
Through the inclusion of a wider spectrum of STEAM activities in the special education curriculum, we reorient our attention towards capabilities rather than limitations.
In contrast to commonly held beliefs, numerous special education students exhibit an inherent aptitude for STEAM endeavors. Neurodivergent children and adolescents possess distinct perspectives and often possess unique strengths, such as:
- Exceptional pattern recognition skills
- Robust visual memory capabilities
- A keen attention to detail
- Resilience in problem-solving
- Hands-on learning abilities
In addition to emphasizing these abilities, the hands-on, student-centered approach of STEAM cultivates active participation while concurrently nurturing student self-confidence and self-esteem.
Benefits of STEAM activities
Engaging special education students in STEM activities offers numerous benefits and is essential for their overall development and success.
Benefits:
- Inclusivity
- Hands-on learning
- Multisensory approach
- Encourages creativity
- Promotes problem-solving skills
- Builds collaboration & communication
- Real-world relevance
- Enhances technological literacy
- Boosts self-esteem
- Expands career opportunities
- Reinforces academic concepts
- Fosters independence
- Provides joyful learning
Engaging students in STEAM activities is crucial for promoting their academic, social, and emotional development. It creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive, build valuable skills, and prepare for success in various aspects of life.
STEAM activities empower special education students to explore their potential, embrace their unique strengths, and become active and engaged learners.
A version of this blog post was originally published on the WhyMaker Educational Thought Leadership Blog.