STEAM Learning in Early Childhood Education: A Literature Review

This literature review covers articles and books about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in early childhood education. STEAM learning is considered to be an appropriate approach to answering the challenges of the 21st century as it integrates the hard and soft skills needed by children. It is exciting to note that in most articles, STEAM is a popular pedagogical method to improve creativity, problem-solving skills, scientific inquiry and critical thinking, and to provide other cognitive benefits. It is taught in integrated learning in early childhood education and is conducted through children’s daily observation. The literature also discusses that the impact of STEAM learning makes children more active and able to take initiatives in their own knowledge. Teachers who are influenced by the integrated professional development of STEAM positively influence children through their professional learning. Another finding from this review is that experience of STEAM can increase children’s self-confidence. In addition, STEAM learning is considered to be able to integrate the skills needed by children. STEAM encourages children to build knowledge about the world around them by observing, investigating and asking questions. This review aims to consider advanced learning in early childhood education through STEAM.