Problem-based Learning Integrated with Local-based STEM Education: A New Dimension of Teaching Chemistry

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze and synthesize the literature related to teaching and learning using the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) incorporated with Problem-based Learning (PBL). The authors reviewed, analyzed and synthesized the literature related to STEM and PBL and then synthesized both into the PBL-STEM teaching steps that were consisted of these six teaching steps: 1) Identify the problem related to local community, 2) Analyze to understand the chosen problem 3) Design ways to solve problem, 4) Test, evaluate and revise the ways or products, 5) Present and evaluate the ways or products, and 6) Summarize and Extend Knowledge. The authors then applied the PBL-STEM teaching with the “RenuNakhon” local context in NakhonPanomprovince in order to help the Grade 11 students learn the Rate of Chemical Reactiontopic in Chemistry. At the end, the authors concretely presented the example of one lesson plan using the PBL-STEM teachingin teaching Grade 11 Chemistry.