STEM-PBL Activity for Higher Education to Enhance the STEM Competency

Abstract

At present, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is gaining wide attention. Effort to promote and integrate STEM education in higher education has been significant in recent years. The samples of this study were 21 students studying of Bachelor of Science in the fourth year student chosen by a purposive sampling approach. STEM linked problem based learning (STEM-PBL) on polymer materials topic was implemented for 12 hours. The STEM-PBL activity was designed with six processes as follows: (1) problem identification, (2) collecting information related to the problem, (3) planning and designing to solve problem (4) development and implementation (5) testing, evaluation for improvement and (6) presenting a solution or innovation. STEM-PBL has been proven to help students develop their STEM competency and 21st century skill.