Research on challenges and solutions in elementary schools’ STEAM education promotion in rural China

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education is one of the effective ways to enhance students’ science literacy, and the ability to innovate. Cultivating innovative talents is important for a country to become the world’s science and technology powerhouse. Currently, the proportion of China’s scientifically literate population is still relatively low, with an imbalance between different demographics, age groups, and economic statuses. To spot more innovative talents, solving the imbalance of STEAM resources is necessary to improve the scientific literacy of students in rural and remote areas. Through field research in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China, the challenges of the development of STEAM education in rural primary schools were discovered. The lack of teachers, funds, awareness, and guidance in rural primary schools are the main factors that significantly add to the educational inequality between urban and rural areas. This research tries to balance STEAM educational resources, narrow the educational inequality gap between urban and rural areas, and work out some feasible solutions to improve technology and innovation education. The "Rural-urban STEAM Education Teaching Platform" takes advantage of the urban STEAM educational resources to support elementary schools in remote areas.