Beyond Technical Skills: The Value of Perspective-Taking in STEM Education

Abstract

With the heavy focus institutions place on the content mastery of undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) students, qualitative skillsets equally important to the future success of STEM students, namely perspective-taking (PT), are being left at the wayside. In response, this essay will highlight reasons PT should be included in undergraduate STEM curricula. To further strengthen the rationale for the inclusion of PT in the curriculum, we will demonstrate that evidence suggests that PT skills can be taught and that there are sociocultural elements that educators should address to effectively implement PT into the curriculum. Finally, we suggest activities that educators can use to foster a learning environment that encourages strong PT skill development among undergraduate STEM learners.