Assessing the Psychometric Properties of STEAM Competence in Primary School Students: A Construct Measurement Study

Abstract

In primary schools, the incorporation of STEAM education has become a widespread trend, as it is believed to have the potential to enhance the quality of education and foster students' competencies. This investigation aimed to explore the definition, measurement model, and scale of students' STEAM competence, emphasizing their hands-on experiences in STEAM education. A total of 1126 fourth to sixth-grade students participated in the survey and were examined to assess the reliability and validity of the STEAM competence scale developed based on previous studies and theoretical foundations. The results indicate that the scale is acceptable and that there are significant connections between various indicators as confirmed by path analysis. The study’s significance, limitations, and conclusions are also addressed.