Towards a Sustainable Future: Evaluating the Ability of STEM-Based Teaching in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Learning

Abstract

STEM education promotes innovation and creativity and provides learners with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills, which are all essential for sustainable development. When these skills are applied to real-world situations, they can help to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. STEM education can foster new solutions and technologies that contribute to sustainable development. The objective of this research was to ascertain the degree to which STEM-based teaching can attain sustainable development goals in learning, according to Saudi Arabian educators who have undergone training or have experience in teaching using this approach. In order to achieve this objective, a questionnaire was constructed, and its psychometric properties were validated. The findings of this study indicate that pedagogy based on the STEM approach possesses the capacity to realize sustainable development goals in learning. The goals were ranked based on the degree of effectiveness of STEM-based teaching in achieving them, with the highest average score being obtained for the goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all, while the lowest average was obtained for the goal of total elimination of hunger. Consequently, this study recommends the adoption of STEM-based teaching as a pedagogical approach that can facilitate the achievement of sustainable development goals in learning over the long term.