Barriers to providing (more) STEM engagement activities or events
We have published the first of a series of briefings drawing on the research of 800 STEM teachers across the UK.
School Report: How teachers engage with STEM outreach has found that although a high proportion said they had engaged with STEM outreach such as after school clubs and out of class activities in the last academic year, the majority of STEM teachers – 79% - had faced barriers.
Funding (52%), and time (49%) were the main barriers, while just over a fifth (22%) said staff resources were a barrier. In total, 79% highlighted one or more of these as a STEM outreach barrier.
Some teachers also said additional costs, including hiring a cover teacher or travel for out of school activities, was an issue.
Being unable to find suitable outreach was also a problem for 38% of teachers, with difficulty in finding suitable activities or organisations to work with. Whilst time and funding are key, the research highlights issues around access also need to be addressed. The pressures of delivering the national curriculum was also cited.
Engineering is not included in the curriculum, so outreach is an important avenue for young people to gain subject or career knowledge, and without it, could impact on young people’s knowledge and perceptions.
We know STEM outreach plays a vital role in sparking interest and passion in STEM – so we need to parents and industry to support teachers and pupils in STEM outreach.
— Becca Gooch, Head of Research, EngineeringUK
Recommendations for providers and funders:
- Reach teachers where they are – online through social media or through available websites like Neon
- Use teacher ambassadors to support with your activity to promote to others in networks
- Support with bursaries to ensure schools with the tightest budgets aren't missing out
- Promote inclusion of underrepresented groups
