Current teaching methods in STEM departments – A road map for fundamental university educational reform: evidence from Lebanon
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 16 December 2020
Issue publication date: 27 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to: (1) explore existing practices of STEM faculty at a private Lebanese university and (2) assess the extent of implementation of active learning among faculty members of selected STEM departments.
Design/methodology/approach
The Working Group on “Integrating Modern Scientific teaching methodologies in STEM” (IM-STEM) at a tertiary university in Lebanon advocates for novel research-based methods to enhance STEM education. This pilot study investigated, using a modified version of the Wieman and Gilbert “Teaching Practices Inventory”, the current teaching methods used by faculty members in selected STEM departments.
Findings
Remarkably, most respondents admit a willingness to incorporate new teaching methods. Main findings indicate that traditional teaching via didactic lecturing remains prevalent in the STEM classrooms at the tertiary academic institution in Lebanon despite sporadic individual efforts by faculty members to utilize unconventional methods and active learning.
Research limitations/implications
One major limitation that influenced the efficiency of this study is the small number of respondents (71 faculty members). More in-depth data collection combining quantitative and qualitative data should be done in future studies.
Practical implications
Gaining insight into the actual methods used in STEM fields in various departments can help the university management to better understand the key importance of educational reform.
Originality/value
The main value of this paper is to serve as a prelude for educational reform at a tertiary academic institution.
Keywords
Citation
Sabat, M., Abdel-Massih, R.M., Kanaan, A., Salloum, S., Serhan, M., Fares, R., Haddad, N. and Melki, A. (2022), "Current teaching methods in STEM departments – A road map for fundamental university educational reform: evidence from Lebanon", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 41-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2020-0307
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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