Abstract:

In the 2022-2030 Unified National Strategy for Education and Science document established by the Government of Georgia a significant emphasis on STEM education across diverse directions. Before incorporating STEM into the educational process, thorough research is deemed essential. This includes gathering insights from school principals to discern their perspectives on STEM education, evaluating overall school readiness, assessing teachers' preparedness for STEM initiatives, and considering additional factors. As part of a doctoral research project focused on STEM education in Georgia, this article aims to develop a STEM teaching approach based on international research, explore effective implementation methods from other countries, and create practical models for lessons aligned with the STEM framework in formal education within the Georgian context.

The primary focus of this investigation revolves around the implementation of the STEM approach in formal education and its impact on students' motivation and interest in STEM disciplines. The study encompasses two primary data sets, exploring the attitudes and visions of public school principals in Georgia regarding STEM education and conducting an in-depth analysis of insights obtained from representatives of the main state structures responsible for advancing STEM initiatives. Employing a well-structured quantitative research questionnaire, the study uses both open-ended and closed-ended questions, evaluated on a Likert scale. The research methodology also includes in-depth interviews, aiming to capture nuanced perspectives on the implementation of STEM education and policy in Georgia. This comprehensive approach seeks to uncover nuanced details, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex landscape surrounding STEM initiatives in the educational context of Georgia. The interplay of data mutually shapes outcomes, and through analyses, a comprehensive overview is derived regarding the status of STEM and its implementation. The interplay of data mutually shapes the outcomes, and through analyses, a comprehensive overview was derived regarding the status of STEM and its implementation.

Keywords:

STEM education, STEM strategy, Views of principals about STEM.