The Steam Approach in Pre-School Education – Investigatingteachers’ Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is a high-ranking skill that is acquired and developed throughout a person’s life depending on the stimuli of the environment. It is a skill that is often cited by researchers in the field as one of the principles of 21st century education and a core element of the STEAM approach. Critical thinking, in addition to being the foundation of professional realization and achievements, is also a need for success, both for the individual and for the entire society. In this regard, the present study is conducted to investigate the critical thinking skills of teachers in two kindergartens: one in which the teachers implement the STEAM approach twice a week and another in which the teachers still explore the STEAM approach but not apply in the processes of interaction with children. The result will give a clear idea if there is a relationship between the critical thinking skills of the teachers and their knowledge, skills and motivation to implement the STEAM approach in the children’s group. The research was conducted through a standardized, anonymous questionnaire consisting of case studies and problem situations modified by APTITUDE – test by Seliant ApS for the needs of the research.