STEM education for primary schools: A topic modelling study of STEM applied learning programme websites in Singapore

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is increasingly viewed as a means of raising long-term interest and achievement in associated school subjects, although consensus has not been reached regarding its exact composition of disciplines and organization. In Singapore, STEM predominantly occurs within the context of school-based STEM Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at primary and secondary schools. Based on analysing STEM ALP websites (N = 42) from primary schools (Grades 1–6), we uncovered how these schools self-describe their STEM education programmes so as to understand what passes for STEM education here. The textual data from the websites was first analysed using unsupervised topic modelling to uncover frequently occurring as well as unique words/expressions associated with the descriptions of STEM ALP. We then used these words/expressions to inform topic tags for carrying out supervised topic classification by subject experts. It was found that many STEM ALP at the primary level identified themselves with two out of five Singapore Ministry of Education recommended themes – game design & making and sustainability. In addition, inferences were drawn regarding the learning approaches promoted (i.e. inquiry-based, design-oriented, or innovation-driven) through these STEM ALP websites. Implications concerning the variations in learning approaches for STEM education among local primary schools are discussed.