Fostering Stem Literacy through Educational Robotics: An Experiential Learning via Stem Carnival
Keywords:
Educational Robotics, Experiential Learning, Holistic Learning, STEM Carniva, STEM LiteracyAbstract
The integration of Educational Robotics (ER) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has garnered attention for its positive impact on students’ holistic learning experiences. However, the incorporation of “T” (Technology) discipline of STEM often face limitations due to financial constraints and re- source scarcity. This study aimed to explore the potential of ER in fostering STEM literacy and soft skills among students, utilising a STEM Carnival as an engaging platform. The research was conducted at SMK Rosli Dhoby in Sibu, Malaysia, and involved students from Form 1 to Form 6 in the Malaysian secondary school. This research employed a quantitative approach using a questionnaire administered to one hundred fifty participants obtained through random sampling. The findings revealed a significant positive impact of ER on fostering STEM knowl- edge and 21st-century skills. A Chi-square test was employed to examine gender differences in prior exposure to robotics before the STEM Carnival, indicating a significant association with interest in Technology but not with Science and Mathematics. A majority of participants expressed a keen interest in exploring ER and engaging in STEM fields beyond the event. This study offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers and event organis- ers promoting STEM education through ER.
Downloads
References
Abidin, Z., Arifudin, R., Hardyanto, W., Akhlis, I., Umer, R. & Kurniawan, N. (2021). Low-cost educational robotics
for promoting STEM education, Journal of Physics, https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1918/4/042018
Adnan, N., Abdullah, S. N. H. S., Raja Yusof, R. J., Zainal, N. F. A., Qamar, F. & Yadegaridehkordi, E. (2023). A Systematic Literature Review in Robotics Experiential Learning with Computational and Adversarial Thinking,
in IEEE Access, 11, 44806-44827, https://10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3249761
Anwar, S., Bascou, N., Menekse, M., & Kardgar, A. (2019). A systematic review of studies on educational robotics. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research, 9(2), 19–42.
Bers, M. U., González-González, C., & Armas-Torres, M. B. (2019). Coding as a playground: Promoting positive learning experiences in childhood classrooms. Computers & Education, 138, 130–145. https:// doi.
org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.04.013
Castro, E., Cecchi, F., Valente, M., Buselli, E. Salvini & Dario, P. (2018). Can educational robotics introduce young
children to robotics and how can we measure it? Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, https://doi.
org/10.1111/jcal.12304
Ching, Y.-H., Hsu, Y.-C., & Baldwin, S. (2018). Developing computational thinking with educational technologies for
young learners. TechTrends, 62(6), 563–573. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528- 018- 0292-7
Ching, Y. H. & Hsu, Y.C. (2023). Educational Robotics for Developing Computational Thinking in Young Learners: A
Systematic Review. TechTrends. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-023-00841-1
Ching, Y.-H., Yang, D., Wang, S., Baek, Y., Swanson, S., & Chittoori, B. (2019). Elementary school student development of STEM attitudes and perceived learning in a STEM integrated robotics curriculum. TechTrends,
63(5), 590–601. https:// doi. org/10.1007/s11528-019-00388-0
D’Amico, A., Guastella, D. & Chella, A. (2020). A playful experiential learning system with educational robotics.
Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2020.00033
Eguchi, A. (2014). Educational Robotics for promoting 21st century skills. Journal of Automation, Mobile Robotics
and Intelligent Systems, 8(1), 5–11.
Habib, M. K., Fusaomi, N., & Keigo, W. (2021). Mechatronics: Experiential Learning and the Stimulation of Thinking Skills. Education Sciences, 11(2), 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11020046
Hudson, M., Baek, Y., Ching, Y.-H., & Rice, K. (2020). Using a multifaceted robotics-based intervention to increase
student interest in STEM subjects and careers. Journal for STEM Education Research, 3, 295–316. https://
doi.org/10.1007/s41979-020-00032-0
Kucuk, S. & Sisman, B. (2020). Students’ attitudes towards robotics and STEM: Differences based on gender and
robotics experience, International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, 23-24, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
ijcci.2020.100167
Ong, S. L., Ling, J. P. W., Chang, W. L. & Kamarudin, N. (2022). Implementing Computational Thinking modules:
Pre-university students in remote learning, in Proceedings of the 15th annual International Conference of
Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI22), 2828-2837.
Ong, S. L. & Ling, J. P. W. (2020). Low-Cost Educational Robotics car promotes STEM learning and 21st century
skills, IEEE International Conference on Teaching, Assessment, and Learning for Engineering (TALE), 467-
473, https://10.1109/TALE48869.2020.9368487
Santos, J. A. R. (1999). Cronbach’s Alpha: A tool for assessing the reliability of scales. Journal of Extension, 1-5.
Sapounidis, T., & Alimisis, D. (2020). Educational Robotics for STEM. In E. Leite, A. Oldham, A. Afonso, V.
Floriano, L. Dourado, & M. Martinho (Eds.), Science and Mathematics Education for 21st Century Citizens, 167–190. Nova Science Pub Inc.
Theodoropoulou, I., Lavidas, K. & Komis, V. (2021). Results and prospects from the utilization of Educational Robotics in Greek Schools. Tech Know Learn, 28, 225–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-021-09555-w
Wang, S., Ching, Y.-H., Swanson, S., Baek, Y., Yang, D., & Chittoori, B. C. S. (2020). Developing US elementary
students’ STEM practices and concepts in an after school integrated STEM project. In Integrated Approaches
to STEM Education: An International perspective, 205–226, Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/ 978-3- 030-
52229-2_12
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal Of Teacher Education & Teaching

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
-
Copyright Ownership
All content published in this journal, including articles, images, and other materials, is the exclusive property of the journal. Authors transfer the copyright to the journal upon acceptance for publication. -
Usage Rights
The journal holds the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, and archive all accepted works in any format or medium. Authors may share their published work for non-commercial purposes with proper acknowledgment of the journal as the original publisher. -
Open Access Policy
Articles are made available for reading and downloading for educational and research purposes. Any commercial use or reproduction requires prior written permission from the journal. -
Restrictions
Users may not alter, sell, or republish the content without formal authorization from the journal. -
Third-Party Content
Any material not owned by the journal is clearly identified, and separate permissions may be required for its use. -
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the journal is not liable for any misuse, errors, or omissions in published content. Authors are responsible for the originality and authenticity of their submissions.