Practices that Support Effective STEM Education: Lessons from Research and the Romanian Context
Practices that Support Effective STEM Education: Lessons from Research and the Romanian Context

Summary/Abstract: This paper synthesizes research-based instructional practices that characterize effective K-12 STEM education, framing its analysis based on Chapter 3 of Successful STEM Education: A Workshop Summary (National Research Council, 2011). The review is focused on three key instructional domains that underlie good teaching practice: science teaching as a disciplinary practice; mathematics instruction oriented toward conceptual understanding; and formative assessment as a mechanism for learning. Locating these evidence-based practices within the Romanian landscape of education, the paper reflects upon recent participation statistics and labor market trends in relevant STEM segments. The analysis shows that although Romania has achieved admirable levels of gender equality at the educational levels within STEM, important structural barriers still exist when it comes to moving from completion to professional and leadership roles in research. Thus, this paper highlights the need for consistent, research-oriented, pedagogical strategies that are entirely focused on equity of access and opportunity, along with systemic policy changes that will lead to actual progress into careers and leadership trajectories in STEM.

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