STEM Education research in the Faculty of Arts and Education focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the learning continuum, including early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary education; home and community settings; and both Australian and international contexts.

Collectively, this research group considers how learners and educators can be supported to see themselves as capable users of STEM knowledge and skills in their everyday lives. The program of research also emphasises the affective domain of STEM education, attending to the ways in which differing approaches to STEM education enable or constrain learners’ and educators’ positive dispositions and motivations towards engaging in STEM endeavours.

This group builds on FOAE’s existing strengths in STEM education; in particular, the School of Education and School of Teacher Education’s established expertise in mathematics, science, and technology education. In the last two ERA rounds (2015, 2018), Charles Sturt achieved a rating of 4 (“above world standard”) in FoR code 1302: Curriculum and Pedagogy, encompassing mathematics, science, technology, and engineering curriculum and pedagogy.

STEM education research in FOAE is aligned to Charles Sturt’s goal of developing “Resilient People” through STEM learning and curriculum development, and access and equity in STEM education. Additionally, this research enhances educational and social frameworks with a view to supporting “Flourishing Communities” that benefit from effective STEM education.

The STEM Education Research Group utilises a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches, influenced by the different STEM education disciplines in which individual members specialise.

This group brings together a critical mass of STEM education academics, HDR students, research assistants, educators, and people from the wider community, with the aim of enhancing STEM educational practices and outcomes for all stakeholders in the communities with whom we collaborate.

The group also aims to cultivate a positive environment that will help develop the full potential of researchers at all stages of their careers.