Looking back on 2023, science education has always been a key word running through the reform and development of China's education. Looking globally, science education is also a high-frequency term of concern for international organizations and many countries around the world. At present, science education has become an important foundation for enhancing a country's scientific and technological competitiveness, cultivating top-notch innovative talents, and improving the scientific literacy of the entire population. To this end, the School of International Education at Beijing Foreign Studies University has conducted a panoramic scan of the hot news in global science education in 2023, sorted out the hot events and policies in global science education, and showcased the influential events related to science education that occurred worldwide in the past year, with the aim of providing references for promoting science education in China.

UNESCO has approved the establishment of the International STEM Education Research Institute in Shanghai

In November 2023, the 42nd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference adopted a resolution to establish the International Institute for STEM Education (UNESCO IISTEM) in Shanghai, China, marking the first time that a UNESCO Class I center has been located in China. The institute will play the role of an information exchange, network, resource and capacity building center in the global STEM education field, promoting inclusive, fair and high-quality development of STEM education for all, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, while prioritizing Africa and gender equality. The establishment of this center symbolizes the global recognition of the rapid development of STEM education in China. China will promote the sustainable development of global education through close cooperation with the research institute.

UNESCO is concerned about STEM education equity in Latin America

UNESCO is making efforts to promote gender equality in STEM education in Latin America, expand the talent pool in the STEM field in the region, and bring greater development potential to society. In 2023, UNESCO released the report "Narrowing the Gender Gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in Latin America", introducing various types of initiatives initiated by international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research centers, companies and other entities, aiming to narrow the gender gap in STEM fields in the Latin American region. For instance, UN Women, in collaboration with other public and private institutions, jointly launched the "Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age" initiative and implemented the "Technology for Girls" initiative in Argentina and Brazil. The aim is to enhance women's confidence in STEM fields by cultivating their technical and computer skills. In Costa Rica, the "Science Needs Us" project was launched, with a focus on the development of women's digital skills.

The UK has taken multiple measures to cultivate STEM literacy among its teachers and students

At present, the UK is facing a severe shortage of STEM teachers. A study by the National Foundation for Educational Research in the UK indicates that nearly one-third of newly recruited science teachers in England choose to leave their jobs within five years of starting work. As the largest STEM education and career support organization in the UK, STEM Learning provides continuous professional development support for STEM teachers in their early career through summer school training and other means, thereby increasing the retention rate of STEM teachers. In addition, in July 2023, the UK STEM Learning Centre and the Ranke Foundation collaborated. The Foundation committed to donating £30,000 to the centre's trust fund to provide disadvantaged K-12 learners with the opportunity to conduct summer STEM research together with STEM practitioners, researchers, and developers. Inspire them to actively engage in work related to STEM fields.

The German open online learning platform "STEM Campus"

In November 2023, the "STEM Campus" online central learning platform, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, was officially launched. As an important part of the German STEM Action Plan 2.0, this platform is committed to providing free and high-quality digital education opportunities for different target groups, covering topics such as climate change, artificial intelligence, children's science education, and fundraising for STEM initiatives. In addition, the platform has developed a dedicated digital learning course called "STEM Campus Original" and, in collaboration with partners, continuously expands course resources, aiming to attract learners of all ages and comprehensively promote the popularization of STEM education in Germany. To address challenges such as climate change and digitalization, Germany urgently needs a large number of young talents in STEM fields and needs to teach and inspire more people to master STEM skills. Therefore, the "STEM Campus" platform is of great significance in providing free, open and innovative educational programs.

Ireland launches the "STEM Education Implementation Plan until 2026"

In March 2023, the Department of Education of Ireland released the "STEM Education Implementation Plan until 2026", aiming to make Ireland a leader in STEM education recognized by the international community by 2026, cultivate students with comprehensive skills, and enable them to better adapt to the changes in the future society. This program covers preschool education to secondary education and mainly includes four aspects: First, it aims to cultivate learners' interest in STEM, ensure that all students receive high-quality STEM education, foster a positive learning attitude, and help them accumulate the motivation to succeed in a constantly changing world. Second, enhance the skills of teachers in the preschool education stage. Through high-quality professional development training, strengthen their STEM knowledge and teaching skills. Third, support STEM education practices, place the needs of learners at the core, continuously improve STEM education practices, and provide off-campus STEM learning opportunities. Fourth, based on research evidence, innovate teaching strategies, establish a vibrant STEM education ecosystem, and promote the implementation achievements of STEM education programs.

Finland has released the "STEM National Strategy and Action Plan".

In May 2023, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture released the "National Strategy and Action Plan for STEM", ensuring that by 2030, individuals can enhance their STEM skills through lifelong learning programs and acquire the information literacy necessary to participate in the digital society, guaranteeing that the country has an adequate supply of STEM talents. In terms of education and teaching, the Finnish government has increased investment, continuously improved the quality of STEM education and teaching, innovated teaching methods, and enhanced teachers' STEM literacy and educational skills. In terms of school-enterprise cooperation, educational institutions and enterprises have the responsibility to jointly enhance students' STEM skills, increase the scale of training STEM professionals and experts, and meet the demands of enterprises for STEM talents. In terms of social services, through diverse means such as immersive science education, promotional activities and media promotion, public understanding of the importance of STEM education is enhanced and public participation in the STEM field is increased.

Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean region are working together to promote STEM education

From November 23rd to 24th, 2023, government officials, educational authorities, scientists, scholars, educators and the UNESCO Science Leadership Group from 14 countries held the "Unleashing the Potential of STEM Education in Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean: STEM Alliance Conference" in Venice. The meeting emphasized promoting cooperation among stakeholders, addressing specific issues, facilitating the exchange of creative achievements in the region, and laying the foundation for the regional STEM alliance. Many educators, global leaders and policymakers delved into the challenges faced by STEM education in the region, adopted the "Southeast Europe and Mediterranean STEM Alliance Roadmap", and clarified the future promotion strategies for STEM education in the region.

The United States has taken multiple measures to promote the transformation and development of STEM education

In October 2023, the National Science Foundation of the United States announced that it would invest over 5 million US dollars in the next five years to establish a STEM education center at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, to ensure that the United States maintains a global leading position in scientific, engineering research and innovation. The center will offer students opportunities to participate in research and promote professional development, and drive research and innovation in the STEM field. In November of the same year, the United States held the 2024 Educational Technology Conference, which focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on STEM education: first, personalized learning. Artificial intelligence algorithms can adjust the learning experience according to students' needs, providing personalized support and feedback. The second is intelligent tutoring. Virtual tutors can match students' learning styles and paces and provide targeted guidance. The third is data-driven insight. Teachers use artificial intelligence to analyze massive amounts of data, identify and analyze certain specific patterns and trends, and thus make efficient and informed decisions in educational practice. In December of the same year, the White House of the United States released "Cultivating Computational Literacy through STEM Education: A Guide for Federal Agencies and Stakeholders", emphasizing the importance of computational literacy for innovation and proposing four key themes for integrating computational literacy into STEM education, namely basic digital skills, teacher professional development, digital ethics, and community engagement.

Canada invests in STEM fields to promote the skill enhancement of young people

In recent years, many new jobs and career opportunities have emerged in Canada that are related to STEM. The demand for talents with STEM skills from enterprises and social institutions has become increasingly urgent, and there is an urgent need to cultivate a workforce capable of continuously meeting future challenges. To enhance scientific literacy and promote broader participation in STEM fields, the Canadian government, in collaboration with federal partners, has taken multiple initiatives, particularly providing more opportunities for underrepresented groups such as women and Indigenous communities. The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada has increased financial support to help young people learn the digital skills needed for their future jobs. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is promoting the Women's Chair Program in Science and Engineering, dedicated to increasing women's participation in STEM fields and promoting inclusiveness in STEM education.

Singapore has established a "New Science Centre" to continuously promote STEM education

In November 2023, the Singapore Science Centre Council held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Science Centre. In 1977, the Singapore Science Centre was inaugurated, dedicated to enhancing science and technology education for teenagers. On this basis, the new Science Centre places a strong emphasis on the development of STEM education. The New Science Centre will offer unique facilities and a wide range of programs for STEM education in Singapore, creating immersive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. To stimulate the exploration interest of both children and adults, the New Science Center plans to promote in-depth dialogues on real-world issues such as sustainability, climate change and generative artificial intelligence through exhibitions and seminars. In addition, the new Science center will also introduce some new concepts and ideas, such as comic art exhibitions and science fiction fairs, to provide visitors with novel experiences. The construction of the new science centre is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2024 and will be officially opened to the public in 2027, marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Singapore Science Centre.

(The author is affiliated with the School of International Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University)

China Education Daily, January 4, 2024, Page 9

Authors: Xu Moyuan, Dayong, Nie Sujiahui