A report into how teachers engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) outreach has found the majority have faced barriers. EngineeringUK surveyed 800 STEM teachers from across the UK, and its findings, in ‘School Report: How teachers engage with STEM outreach’, the first of a series of briefing reports, found that although a high proportion said they had engaged with STEM outreach such as after-school clubs and out-of-class activities in the last academic year, the majority of STEM teachers – 79% – had faced barriers.
Also read:Three Out of Four Schools Lack Long-Term STEM Governor Recruitment Industry Links
Key Barriers in STEM Outreach Engagement
Funding (52%), time (49%) were the main barriers, while just over a fifth (22%) said staff resources were a barrier. Some teachers also highlighted additional costs, including hiring a cover teacher or travel for out-of-school activities, an issue. Being unable to find suitable outreach was also a problem for teachers, with difficulty in finding suitable activities (18%) or organisations to work with (20%).
The Role of STEM Outreach in Education
While time and funding are key, the research highlights issues around access that also need to be addressed. In addition to the funding, time, and staff resource barriers, the pressures of delivering the national curriculum were also cited.
How Teachers Find STEM Outreach Activities
The research found teachers are predominantly finding STEM activities online, directly from providers, and through their own professional networks. Despite this, barriers to engagement remain for the majority.
Recommendations for Providers and Funders
- Reach teachers where they are – online through social media or through available websites like Neon.
- Use teacher ambassadors to support with your activity to promote to others in networks.
- Support with bursaries to ensure schools with the tightest budgets aren't missing out.
- Promote inclusion of underrepresented groups.
The Importance of STEM Outreach for Students
Head of Research at EngineeringUK, Becca Gooch, said, “Engineering is not included in the curriculum, so outreach is an important avenue for young people to gain subject or career knowledge, and without it, could impact on young people’s knowledge and perceptions."
EngineeringUK’s Support for STEM Outreach
“We know STEM outreach plays a vital role in sparking interest and passion in STEM – so we need to parents and industry to support teachers and pupils in STEM outreach,” said Gooch.
EngineeringUK has a dedicated brand – EUK Education – to support teachers and career leaders with inspiring STEM activities and dedicated career resources and experiences can be found at Neon. EngineeringUK supports STEM outreach through EUK Education, including its Big Bang, Energy Quest, and Climate Schools Programme, Neon, bursaries, and resources. It also supports industry to reach more young people with targeted, high-quality outreach.
