Key Practices in P-6 Integrated STEM Education: Delphi Panel Insights

Abstract

Key Practices in P‑6 Integrated STEM Education: Delphi Panel Insights Over the past two decades, educators and policymakers have worked to improve STEM education for P‑12 students, yet patterns of engagement remain persistently unchanged, potentially hindering interest in STEM careers. This paper focuses on findings from a modified Delphi panel study involving expert teacher educators across the US. We identify crucial practices teacher educators use to prepare candidates for integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching in P‑6 classrooms. Additionally, the research highlights key attributes of integrated P‑6 STEM education compared to single‑discipline curricula. The study reveals 16 interconnected essential practices and nine differentiating attributes that define integrated P‑6 STEM education, offering insights for researchers, teacher practitioners, and policymakers.