Fostering teaching competency in STEM education for natural science students at universities of pedagogy in Vietnam

Abstract: This research focuses on determining the STEM educational competency of final year students majoring in natural science at universities of pedagogy in Vietnam, thereby developing this important competency building program for students before graduating to become science school teachers. Questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews were conduct among 4th year natural science students at different pedagogical schools in Vietnam. The results reveal that final year students have an average STEM education competency. Despite the implementation of STEM education-related modules in the natural science curriculum, some key component competencies were found to be below average. The research also demonstrates that the lack of STEM education competency to meet the implementation of the natural program is not only related to the content of the training program but also closely linked to the method and form as well as organize this competency training for students. Finally, the research proposes the program content and methods of fostering technology-based STEM educational competency for last-year students in natural science so that they gain the competence to carry out STEM educational activities for secondary pupils before graduation to become a professional middle school teacher.

Keywords: Competence, STEM education, physics education, natural science students, teacher training