A STEM Model to engage students in Environmental Sustainability Program Through Collaborative Problem-solving Approach- Case Study in Qatar

Abstract

Following the launch of Qatar's National Vision 2030, environmental development was highlighted as one of the Vision's four pillars, emphasizing the importance of developing people's awareness of their duty in maintaining the country's environment for future generations. In addition, environmental education can be combined with various approaches, such as STEM and problem-solving skills, making it an excellent way to engage students in a sustainable program. A distinctive E-STEM program titled "Problem-Solving" (PS) was developed in Qatar amid regular educational reforms to improve primary school pupils' problem-solving abilities. During this study, 346 kids (202 females and 144 males) from 14 different public and private primary schools were involved in STEM workshops on environmental issues, encouraging them to develop solutions to the problem. The study used a mixed-method approach to measure program efficacy, with a statistical analysis performed using data collected from four separate workshops over two years from 2018 to 2019. This research and development project used pre and post-questionnaires and a qualitative method for evaluating student problem-solving skills. The outcomes of the SWOT analysis also provided an overview of the program's efficacy in involving students by demonstrating their collaborative problem-solving skills about environmental issues.