STEM EDUCATION AS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE KEY PROVISIONS OF THE CONCEPT OF THE NEW UKRAINIAN SCHOOL

Abstract

This paper analyses STEM education as an effective way to implement the key provisions of the Concept of the New Ukrainian School. The modern education sector is tasked with developing and educating a fully developed, educated, innovative personality following the Concept of Implementation of the State Policy in the Field of Reforming General Secondary Education "New Ukrainian School." Science and mathematics education should become one of the priorities for developing the national education sector, providing unique opportunities to prepare students for a successful future in an era of rapid change and technological progress. STEM education creates unique opportunities for the development and training of future STEM specialists (bio- and nanotechnology specialists, IT specialists, etc.) who can contribute significantly to the development of Ukrainian society. STEM education effectively implements the critical provisions of the Concept of the New Ukrainian School. By focusing on the integration of natural and mathematical subjects and the development of students' competencies in the natural sciences, technologies, engineering, and mathematics, STEM education ensures the creation of effective conditions for modern, high-quality education. Based on a thorough analysis of scientific and pedagogical sources, we demonstrate  STEM education is an integral part of the New Ukrainian School concept, as it aims to acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities and obtain key competencies. Many national scholars agree that integration research and project activities are the leading principles of STEM education, which are in harmony with the guidelines of the New Ukrainian School. It has been determined that introducing STEM activities into the educational process of the New Ukrainian School will contribute to the development of students in many aspects: increasing cognitive interest in STEM, practical involvement in research, ICT literacy, ability to use them, development of critical and innovative thinking, formation of communication skills, stimulation of creativity, etc. It is also important to emphasize that STEM education has a powerful potential for developing not only knowledge but also various student skills, qualities, and values.