Why are learners cutting STEM?

According to a recent study, there’s a striking growth of similar answer to the usual question asked by most educators during introductory sessions, “What do you want to do for a living?” “What do you want to be once you have graduated?”

Most learners are now considering a career in the online video industry.

I mean, why not? It is enjoyable, promotes creativity and fame, while allowing them to express themselves.

The only thing that is stopping them? Lack of consistency and confidence.

I have nothing to argue here, yet.

Do you know that there are 16 science major courses and related subjects to choose from in university but only 19 percent out of 447,000 candidates who sat for the Form Three Assessment; PT3 chose to further their studies in the science field?

You would not believe the difference in number! During my time, majority of students moved on to the science stream, be it voluntarily or forcefully.

I was, of course in the latter category.

“Your future will be bright and you will not have any problems securing a spot in university or at the workplace,” my parents repetitively reminded.

So, we had a deal whereby I would study these subjects in high school, see how things go and decide which pathway I shall choose for my tertiary studies. Funnily enough, I love Biology!

To shorten the story, I studied Biological Sciences for one semester in university but I felt like a lost soul, thus the immediate change after that.

Whatever happened to that love for the subject?

Speaking of STEM, an acronym of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; it is more than just an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

STEM is a learning and teaching practice for educators — and, to a certain extent, parents — to assist learners integrate knowledge across subjects by incorporating hands-on learning.

Therefore, motivated learners are able to think in a logical manner as they are equipped with critical skills.

Good news! With the mixture of all these ingredients, it is aimed that science covers subjects related to nature while technology serves as a tool to meet the wants and needs of our society.

Bad news! Poor execution and delivery. On so many different levels.

Weirdly enough, the government has, since the 1970s been giving priority to science and technology education to make up the supply pool in the years ahead.

Sadly, the number of learners who pick this particular pathway has been decreasing, as quick as lightning!

A group of current university students who chose to major in Logistics and Supply Chain Management agreed, “We made our decisions by picking a course that features the least or is non-science related.”

Those students ranging from 19 to 27-years old said, “We find it very difficult to understand science subjects back in school.

Memorizing processes without doing those experiments hands-on is definitely challenging.”

“Plus, if I work as a doctor in the medical industry, for example, I will be held accountable for more. Dealing with blood and people’s lives impose a lot of stress,” they added.

Additionally, three students who are currently majoring in Finance and Investment at a private university in Kuala Lumpur, also believe that the duration of the studies matter, thus the reason for choosing their current course.

“Science courses are known to be more expensive. More study time equals to more money needed, yet we will still be uncertain about our future employment status,” they commented.

“There is so many information to remember when it comes to sciences, therefore lack of equipment and facilities will of course deter us from picking that particular field,” one of them concluded.

Experts in the industry have warned that not having a sufficient STEM-related workforce will lead to major dependency on foreign workers by 2030.

STEM education programs are meant to ease students to acquire skills required to succeed in the technological era. These skills require them to incorporate soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and literacy to any major they are currently taking.

Obviously, project-based inquiry learning approach and higher order thinking skills should definitely be implemented progressively.

Early on, and I mean when one is still an adolescent, and it continues on and on and on.

A pipeline engineer highlighted, “Our education system should not be too academic oriented. Engagement must be the core element.”

“Instead of a one-way lesson by their educators, classroom arrangement should be focused on learner-centred approach enabling learners to develop social and real-world skills,” the concerned mother of three who is currently working in a major oil and gas company concluded.

When choosing your educational pathway towards your career, one important criterion to think about is job demand by the time you graduate. I understand, perhaps at the age of around 16, that might be too pressuring.

I reckon even those in their mid-20s are still finding their ways.

Thus, the opinion of your parents, teachers and career guidance counsellor should be taken into consideration. Your own research, reflection and strengths should determine the final resolution too.

During my time, learners are expected to take the usual routes of becoming professionals like doctors, engineers, accountants, architects and lawyers. Therefore, picking a route that was less travelled, thankfully made my journey of securing a job even before I graduated possible, which of course, comes with a different set of hardship.

According to the “Future of Jobs Report 2018” by the World Economic Forum, the study indicates that by 2030, automation could displace up to 25% of hours (equivalent to about 4.5 million workers) in Malaysia. However, between 3.3 million and 6 million jobs are expected to be created in Malaysia by 2030. What could those jobs possibly be?

Perhaps learners these days should opt for the path less travelled by during this era so that you are able to not only find a good satisfying career, but grow as a person throughout. Who knows?

Obviously, majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can open you up to hundreds of careers across all industries.

Don’t limit yourself. With confidence, you will be able to ace them all.

Not all at once, of course! But you will have ample choice.

SYAZUIN SAZALI is a certified English language and soft skills coach. She aims to continuously advocate for progressive growth in education. Linkedin & Instagram: @syazuinsazali, Email: [email protected]