INNOVATIONS, SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS (STM) TEACHING AND TEACHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The importance of teaching Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) in a developing country like Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. Recognizing this fact, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FRN, 2008) has among the objectives of Basic Education, the laying of sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking in children. The policy further states that STM will continue to be taught in an integrated manner in schools, as a way of promoting in children, the appreciation of the practical application of basic science. The main thrust of the policy therefore, is on the inculcation of the values of science and technology in the lives of Nigerian children. There is no doubt that, the world of science teaching must differ in emphasis, purpose and in many kind from that of pre-ICT (Information Communication Technology) era. For sure the emerging scientific revolution in ICT together with the trend toward globalization demands a programme in Science, Technology and Mathematics with new focus (Wasagu, 2015). It may not be debatable to say that now is the time to evaluate and redefine the purpose of Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) teaching in our schools with the aim of enhancing creativity.

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