Expanding STEM/STEAM Education Models at Primary Schools
STEM and STEAM education activities are being widely implemented at primary schools across Lam Dong province, enabling students to experience a creative learning environment, develop their thinking skills, and apply what they have learned to real-life situations.
The Effectiveness of STEM Education
In the school year 2025–2026, Xuan An Primary School in Ham Thang Ward continued to implement the STEM education approach and saw numerous positive outcomes. One of the highlights was the recent STEM festival, “Binh Ngo Spring Colors 2026,” which drew enthusiastic participation from students at all grade levels. The event gave students an opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical situations, while showcasing their creativity, dexterity, and teamwork through products inspired by the Lunar New Year. Importantly, all the displayed and decorative items crafted by the students were made from recycled, low-cost, and eco-friendly materials.
Pham Khanh Tien, a pupil from Class 5B at Xuan An Primary School, expressed, “I am thrilled to take part in the STEM festival. Here, I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and creativity to create decorative items for Tet. I hope the school will keep organizing more STEM events and festivals for us to participate in.”
STEM education has been implemented at Xuan An Primary School since the 2023–2024 academic year. Consequently, the school has trained teachers and designed at least four STEM topics or lessons for each school year as part of the standard curriculum. Additionally, it has held STEM festivals to provide students with hands-on experience in creating innovative products and showcasing their projects.
Ms. Han Thi Bich Hien, the vice principal in charge of the school, said: “Students engaged in the STEM approach often demonstrate strong abilities, particularly a solid understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Beyond academic knowledge, they also develop critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills. This approach also provides opportunities for students to cultivate essential soft skills in line with the objectives of the 2018 General Education Program.”
Implementing STEAM Education
The province has implemented STEM education in all primary schools. STEAM education is viewed as a valuable approach that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge with practical applications. In the 2025–2026 academic year, the Department of Education and Training initiated the thematic program “Enhancing the Capacity to Teach Music and Fine Arts through STEAM Education Activities at Primary Level.” This program is designed to define the importance of STEAM in teaching arts subjects while providing professional development for teachers to create and facilitate engaging, innovative, and student-centered learning activities.
Bao Thuan Primary School in Bao Thuan Commune organized a commune-level thematic session on the same topic. The model lesson was conducted in a scientific and flexible manner, with particular emphasis on group activities that encouraged students to actively participate, collaborate, and share their ideas. In this student-centered environment, the teacher played the role of facilitator and mentor, creating conditions for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and practical abilities — key competencies fostered through STEAM education.
According to the Department of Education and Training, many primary schools in the province have now incorporated the thematic program “Enhancing the Capacity to Teach Music and Fine Arts through STEAM Education Activities at Primary Level” into teaching practice. This helps students not only appreciate beauty, but also apply interdisciplinary knowledge to create practical products closely connected with daily life. At the same time, it contributes to students’ comprehensive development in line with the goals of the 2018 General Education Program.