STEM Educator challenges and professional development needs: the educators’ views

摘要

This work researched the educators’ views regarding the challenges, the difficulties and the professional development needs of STEM educators. Drawing on an online survey, based on specially designed close-ended and open-ended questions, we analyzed the educators’ views in order to understand critical factors and to provide more insight regarding the successful preparation of STEM educators. In this study, 59 educators, who have been involved in the implementation of STEM educational programs in Greece, were participated. Results showed that educators face several challenges and difficulties, while the misunderstandings of parents about STEM education also affect educators’ work. In addition, although professional development on different topics was considered necessary depending on educators’ needs and academic background, technical training was a common need for the participants. Our findings suggest that redesign of the national curriculum and the implementation of targeted training programs based on specific needs are needed to better support the role of STEM educator.