Abstract
This article focuses on STEM integration as an important aspect of applying this approach in education. It presents the author’s concept of its planning and implementation on the basis of systems theory and the systems approach. In this context, the components of STEM education are viewed as a system that emerges and operates “under the influence” of the so-called “system-generating factor.” This leads to the distinction of two types of STEM integration: knowledge-based and skill-based, each defined as a primary component of the system-generating factor. The research methodology involves the conceptualization of this idea through literature review, definition, and critical analysis. The main goal of the literature review is the investigation of theoretical sources concerning different models of STEM integration and those that focus on the application of the systems approach in education. The main concepts in the proposed model are defined. The critical analysis of the author’s model refers to discussing the opportunities for implementation in real pedagogical practices, its strengths and weaknesses, and also the potential opportunities for future scientific research.
- Anderson, L., Krathwohl, D., Airasian, P., Cruikshank, K., Mayer, R., Pintrich, P., & Raths, J., Wittrock, M. (2001). A Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing. A Revision of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
- Banks, F., & Barlex, D. (2021). Teaching STEM in the Secondary School. Helping Teacher Meet the Challenge. New York: Routledge.
- Baraldi, C., & Corsi, G. (2017). Niklas Luhmann: Education as a Social System. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
- Berland, L. (2013). Designing for STEM Integration. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research 3(1). 22–31.https://doi.org/10.7771/2157-9288.1078
- Bertalanffy, L. (1972). The History and Status of General Systems Theory. The Academy of Management Journal, 15(4), 407-426. https://doi.org/10.2307/255139
- Bhaskar, V., & Lajwanti. (2019). Role of Systems Approach in Education. Journal of Education and Practice, 10(23), 104–110. https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/10-23-15
- Bloom, B., Engelhart, M., Furst, E., Hili, W., & Krathwohl, D. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: Handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay.
- Bybee, R. (2013). The Case for STEM Education. Challenges and Opportunities. USA: National Science Teachers Association Press.
- Chowdhury, A., & Shil, N. C. (2021). Thinking ‘Qualitative’ Through a Case Study: Homework for a Researcher. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 5(2), 190-210. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/11280
- Davis, K. (2014). The Need for STEM Education in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction. S.T.E.M. Education Strategies for Teaching Learners with Special Needs. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
- English, L. (2016). STEM education K-12: perspectives on integration. International Journal of STEM Education, 3(3), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0036-1
- Ersozlu, Z., Usak, M., & Blake, D. (2022). Using Multi-Group Invariance Analysis in Exploring Cross-Cultural Differences in Mathematics Anxiety: A Comparison of Australia and Russia. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 9(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/987
- Felder, R., & Brent R. (2016). Teaching and Learning STEM. A Practical Guide. San Francisko: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Ge, L. (2024). Repression, Permeation, and Circulation: Retracing and Reframing Danmei Culture Online in Mainland China. Feminist Encounters: A Journal of Critical Studies in Culture and Politics, 8(2), 34. https://doi.org/10.20897/femenc/14946
- Gupta, S., & Gupta, A. (2013). The Systems Approach in Education. International Journal of Management, MIT College of Management, 1(1), 52-55. https://docs.edtechhub.org/lib/C2W5JGAU
- Härkönen, U. (2009). Pedagogical Systems Theory and Model for Sustainable Human Development in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). Journal of Teacher Education for Sustainability, 11(2), 77-86. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10099-009-0042-1
- Honey, M., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, H. (2014). STEM Integration in K-12 Education: Status, Prospects, and an Agenda for Research. Washington: The National Academies Press.
- Hussim, H., Rosli, R., Nor, N., Maat, S., Mahmud, M., Iksan, Z., Rambely, A., Mahmud, S., Halim, L., Osman, K., Lay, A. (2024). A Systematic Literature Review of Informal STEM Learning. European Journal of STEM Education. 9(1), 07, 1-10. 7. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/14609
- Jackson, S., Hitchins, D., & Eisner, H. (2010). What is the systems approach? Insight INCOSE, 13(1), 41–43. https://doi.org/10.1002/inst.201013141a
- Jenkins, S. (2020). The Future of STEM Education. Master's Theses & Capstone Projects. 255. https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/education_masters/255. (Accessed 25 September 2024).
- Liston, M. (2018). Designing Meaningful STEM Lessons. Science, 53 (4), 34-37. https://www.pdst.ie/sites/default/files/DesigningMeaningfulSTEMLessonsDr.MaeveListon.pdf
- Mat, S., Yassin, R., Ishak, N., Mohammad, N., & Pandaragana, S. (2012). Model of problem-based learning using systems approach. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 60, 541–545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.420
- Meadows, J., Baker, J., Dzenga, N., Hinkel, Sh., Wilson, C. (2024). Planning an Informal STEM Event? Try the Assets-based Approach to Planning and Research for Informal STEM Events. Journal of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 7(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.31756/jrsmte.711
- Morais, C., Junior, G. G., & André, C. (2025). Exploring a Contextualized STEM Integration in Chemistry Education Laboratory: Insights from Pre-Service Teacher Training. European Journal of STEM Education, 10(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/17213
- Moore, T., Johnston, A., Glancy, A. (2020). STEM Integration. A Synthesis of Conceptual Frameworks and Definitions. Handbook of Research on STEM Education. London: Routledge.
- Özkan, G., Topsakal, Ü. (2020). A Steam Activity That Can Be Used in Science Education. Ulakbilge, 45 (Şubat), 185-199. http://doi.org/10.7816/ulakbilge-08-45-06
- Rogovaya, O., Larchenkova, L., & Gavronskaya, Y. (2019). Critical thinking in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Utopía y Praxis Latinoamericana, 24(6), 32-41.https://produccioncientificaluz.org/index.php/utopia/article/view/30057.
- Ryan, A. (2008). What is a System Approach? https://www.researchgate.net/publication/1774005_What_Is_a_Systems_Approach. (Accessed 01 October 2024).
- Shagraуеva, B., Shertayeva, N., Zhorabekova, A., & Toktamys, N. (2025). Enhancing the Quality of Education Through the Integration of STEM Technology Elements in Chemistry Lessons. European Journal of STEM Education, 10(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/17176
- Surmin, Y. P. (2003). Teoriya sistem i sistemnyy analiz: ucheb. posobie [Systems Theory and Systems Analysis: Tutorial]. Kiev, 2003. 368 p. (In Russ.).
- Torres-Velásquez, D., Roberts-Harris, D., Leiva, C., Westby, C., Lobo, G., Dray, B., Astigarraga, A., & Aguilar-Valdez, J. (2014). Working with English Language Learners with Special Needs in STEM. S.T.E.M. Education Strategies for Teaching Learners with Special Needs. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
- Trevallion, D., & Trevallion, T. (2020). STEM: Design, Implement and Evaluate. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 14(8), 1-29. Available at: https://www.ijicc.net/index.php/volume-14-2020/211-vol-14-iss-8).
- Ural, E., & Öztaş, F. (2021). Investigation of Primary School Teacher Candidates' Beliefs on the Nature of Scientific Knowledge. Asian Journal of Instruction, 9(1), 34-57. https://doi.org/10.47215/aji.875217
AMA 10th edition
APA 6th edition
Chicago
In-text citation: (Penchev, 2025)
Reference: Penchev, Delyan. "Stem Integration as A System".
European Journal of STEM Education 2025 10 no. 1 (2025): 20.
https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/17214
Harvard
MLA
In-text citation: (Penchev, 2025)
Reference: Penchev, Delyan "Stem Integration as A System".
European Journal of STEM Education, vol. 10, no. 1, 2025, 20.
https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/17214
Vancouver