Dilemmas experienced by teachers in adapting to the role of facilitator in the STEAM classroom

Abstract

This study examines: (1) dilemmas experienced by teachers adapting to the role of ‘facilitator’ in a student-centered, technology-supported, STEAM learning environment; (2) strategies they implemented to address them; and (3) students' responses. Data sources included interviews and video-ethnographic, classroom observations with 29 teachers and 325 students, from 20 schools across the United States. Using thematic coding, we identified eight dilemmas and three types of strategies facilitators used to address them. We discuss students' responses to strategies. Findings have implications for understanding how teachers might best facilitate STEAM learning activities and for our understanding of how teachers adapt to educational change.