STEM vs. STEAM

Almost seventy percent of college graduates in the United States are leaving school with a degree in the arts and humanities. In a technologically advanced world, without training wheels, this can be a detrimental decision. However, recent research has indicated that such a degree might not be a bad idea. In fact, compared to post-secondary education in China, which holds the same number statistic toward math and the sciences, America is clearly placing a larger emphasis on inspiring innovation and creativity.

Schools all over this country have started referring to themselves as STEM schools. This acronym (we really love acronyms in education) stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This is where the focus is being placed in an attempt to prepare students for success in college and/or a career. However, some schools have added a very important aspect to this identifier. By identifying as a STEAM school, you are claiming a dedication to Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math. This tiny addition is proving to have long-term benefits.

Addressing the Whole Student

Schools have budgets. This is an indelible aspect of the education system. For as long as I can remember, I have heard talk of schools cutting back in the arts in order to make the budget work and focus on what we like to call core subjects. Most would agree that schools place a larger emphasis on math, science, history and language than they do on choir and band. However, if we are going to claim to be a country that addresses the whole student, how can we deny such creative endeavors?

Schools Powered By STEAM

Schools that understand the importance of artistic programs as a backbone of their academic programs will understand the rewards that such activities can bring. Perhaps the reason that we have such innovators compared to other countries is our understanding that art, whether it be learning to draw, dance, or play an instrument, can unlock places in the brain that would otherwise remain dormant.

The Research

According to the article titled, “Why Silicon Valley Needs Humanities PhDs” published in The Washington Post, “In 2008, my research team at Duke and Harvard surveyed 652 US-born chief executive officers and heads of product engineering at 502 technology companies. We found that they tended to be highly educated: 92 percent held bachelor’s degrees, and 47 percent held higher degrees. But only 37 percent held degrees in engineering or computer technology, and just two percent held degrees in mathematics. The rest have degrees in fields as diverse as business, accounting, finance, healthcare, arts and the humanities.”

According to this article from Time, “The ones who will do best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible. Those with the ability to draw upon every available tool and insight—gleaned from science, arts and technology—to solve the problems of the future and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves will stand themselves and the US in good stead.”

And finally, according to this Business Insider article, “The humanities are the study of people. Regardless of whether it's history or literature. It's one of the best ways to figure out how to understand and relate to people, and use language to convince them of your viewpoint. A brilliant technical mind isn't always enough.”

What We Really Need

There is absolutely no doubt that a firm understanding of engineering and science will play a large role in our society’s future. However, at the end of the day, understanding how to relate to and communicate with people is a skill that might give the next engineer or mathematician the bump they need to get ahead.

Related Resources:

Cross Curricular Lessons In Sciences, Understanding Real World Applications