The RoboSteamSen project (2023-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000155379) is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Research Paper: STEAM AS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY AND INCLUSIVE APPROACH TO DEVELOP CURRENT POTENTIAL AND COMPETENCIES

Typology
Document
Resource description
The objective of this research is to showcase the successful implementation of STEAM-focused education in various institutions across different educational contexts. This was achieved through the application of ICT tools and active methodologies such as PBL (Project-Based Learning), IBL (Inquiry-Based Learning), Problem-Based Learning, ABPI (Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning), TPACK, the Maker Movement, ethnomathematics, educational games, and cooperative learning. These approaches were integrated through science and the arts as a flexible and open learning framework, adaptable to all educational settings—particularly in institutions with limited resources (public, semi-public, and private schools).
The implementation included thematic content to support learning, such as general science, art, the space era, robotics, simple machines, electronics, fiction literature and comics, and biographies of renowned scientists and researchers. These served as motivational hooks to strengthen learning. Low-cost, recyclable materials were used in classroom and extracurricular projects.
This analysis aims to highlight how many educational and social barriers have been overcome through pioneering efforts to adopt these innovative methodologies. Due to space limitations, this paper presents only a brief excerpt of what has been achieved with the STEAM approach. I recommend visiting my YouTube channel "profeduardo" to better appreciate the full scope of this work.
Additionally, this research aspires to serve as a practical model for implementing the STEAM approach in any Ecuadorian school, with the goal of transforming and expanding the traditional classroom. This practice aligns well with local realities. It is worth noting that this pioneering initiative—using STEAM as a suitable educational model—was awarded the National Championship of Innovative Pedagogical Proposals in Quito. This national competition was organized by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador and took place from November 2018 to March 2019.
https://www.pedagogia.edu.ec/public/docs/9365340f28a6c7c0cb3...
Sample of use in education with students with IDD
The article presents a robust implementation of the STEAM approach in an inclusive educational setting that addresses the diverse needs of students, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through the integration of project-based learning (ABPy), flipped classrooms, robotics, space exploration themes, and recycled materials, the teaching strategy promoted accessibility, creativity, and motivation. Activities included the construction of robotic and architectural prototypes, use of Google Classroom, comic-based assessments, and the creation of MakerSpaces. The learning environments were adapted to be flexible and extended beyond the traditional classroom to the entire school space. This inclusive STEAM model not only helped overcome educational barriers—such as lack of resources, low motivation, and curriculum disconnect—but also fostered student engagement, inquiry, collaboration, and ownership of learning. The initiative proved that students of varied abilities can successfully engage with science and technology when provided with adaptive tools and a motivating, real-world learning framework
Difficulties to which it could be applied
Emotional Regulation, Social Communication Challenges
  • Literal interpretation of language and abstractions
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests, Specialized Skills and Talents, Executive Functioning and Flexibility
  • Fixed Interest
Learning Objetives
  • Learning Arts concepts
  • Promoting Flexibility and Adaptability