The quest for an alternative paradigm of STEM education for young people

Abstract

With the decline of competencies of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in young people, there is a worldwide call for STEM education. While STEM education is important for young people, it is argued that it is equally important to nurture leadership attributes in young people based on an alternative version of STEM education. These STEM attributes include soft skills, trust, empathy and moral character. With the emergence of service economies, soft skills (particularly interpersonal cooperation and communication) and gaining trust from others are important attributes for adolescent development. With the decline in empathy in young people, there is a need to help young people understand the feelings and experience of other people. Finally, possessing good moral character is a core element of thriving youth development and successful leadership according to many theorists in different cultures.