Abstract:

This study presents an approbation of an adaptive metric system for assessing STEM competencies in lower secondary education, with a focus on biology instruction. The assessment model is based on a previously developed taxonomic framework (Kaloyanova & Papancheva, 2023). The framework includes six levels: Academic STEM competences, key STEM competences, transversal competences, metacognitive competences, personal competences, and STEM culture. The presented set of instruments is designed to assess the first four levels of the framework.

The research is conducted in a large urban school with well-established traditions in science education. The experimental setting involves collaborative teaching practices, where two teachers jointly design and implement integrated STEM instruction through team teaching, combining binary lessons and project-based learning within the biology curriculum.

The paper presents the specific assessment instruments, as well as a description of the experimental work and an analysis of the obtained results.

Keywords:

STEM competencies, adaptive assessment framework, lower secondary education, biology education, assessment instruments.