Abstract:

The task of configuring new university academic programs is not only knotty, but also challenging. Complex problems, sometimes called (in social sciences) controversies, indicate that multidisciplinary, collaborative work, active learning (student-centered), connection with the environment (mobilizing what has been learned to solve the real need of society), pedagogical innovation, openness to creativity and diversity, and curricular flexibility are some aspects that should be considered when thinking about advances in the university offer.

In this conference paper, we show the results of a research exercise in which we give space to different voices (government, academia and society) to find opportunities for improvement in the design of new academic proposals from the university. We conclude by proposing a relationship model (internal and external) already validated at our Universidad del Rosario (UR): URSTEAM, in relation to learning when listening to these voices.

Taking into account that the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) approach emphasizes the teaching and learning process, students have an active participation and focus on solving problems in their real context in an integrated and practical way. It implies the application of creativity, observation and, in general, the principle of learning by doing. Our model, URSTEAM, generates a space for the convergence of various types of knowledge, allowing students, teachers and the productive sector to adopt, appropriate and empower themselves with new knowledge, technologies, innovations, methods and tools, through creative and integrated co-constructions that respond to the new challenges in the industry and changes in the environment quickly and effectively.

To fulfill this purpose, URSTEAM identifies four areas of direct impact:
1) training through formal academic programs at all academic levels,
2) experimentation in existing and future laboratories within the University and in the sector allied business,
3) applied research and creation, the product of collaborative work that favors interdisciplinary processes and projects, and
4) projection, which allows identifying technological trends and cutting-edge knowledge that nurture training and research processes.

Keywords:

STEM education, STEAM education, higher education, curricular innovation, pedagogical innovation.