The Effect of Design Thinking–based STEAM Education on Elementary School Student Interest in Math and Science, Personality, and Science and Technology Career Choice

Abstract

This study confirmed the effect of STEAM education programs for elementary school students developed based on Design Thinking principles on elementary school students’ personalities, interest in science and mathematics, and choice to pursue a career in science or engineering. The results show that, first, there was no significant difference in improvement of interest in science and math between experimental and control groups. However, second, there was a significant improvement in the caring domain of personality, as well, third, as a significant increase in science and technology career choice. On the whole, these results imply that creative science and technology training that satisfies the needs of the networked age, which emphasizes collective intelligence, is feasible.