Learning Value in Participating in a STEAM Competition

An Example of iSTEAM-PowerTech

Abstract

Expanding on the three types of value in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) competitions, namely value in radical, social and cognitive constructivism, this study developed more types of value of participating in a STEAM competition, specifically: (1) Physical growth, (2) STEAM knowledge building, (3) Career self-efficacy, (4) Learning attitude enhancement, (5) Thinking skill development, (6) Social-Emotional Development, and (7) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) concept building. This study surveyed 56 teachers who have long mentored students taking part in the iSTEAM-PowerTech competition to explore students’ multifaceted learning values. The results indicated teachers’ strong value of students’ participation. Among the value constructs, Physical growth scored the highest (M = 4.51), showing students’ improvement in motor control and coordination. STEAM knowledge building and Career self-efficacy followed, reflecting that participating in iSTEAM-PowerTech can enhance interdisciplinary STEAM knowledge learning, and career self-efficacy in STEM works. Although SDG concept building scored slightly lower, it revealed emerging awareness of sustainability and resource reuse. Overall, the iSTEAM-PowerTech competition effectively promotes students’ hands-on skills, cognitive thinking, emotional development, and sustainability awareness, embodying the STEAM pedagogy of learning by creating and doing through the design processes of iSTEAM-PowerTech. (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHnoNlntHYM).