The Pros And Cons Of STEM Students

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in schools have been a core focus in education under the Obama administration. These are fields that as country, we used to thrive in but in recent years, we have drastically fallen behind other leading countries, such as; China, Japan and Canada. It has been slightly less than half a century since we landed the first man on the moon, yet we have fallen to 27th in the world when it comes to our math test scores. The amount of students whom have chosen mathematics as a major of study has fallen drastically. Math is actually the most commonly avoided subject in both high school and college which severely limits the options in career choices for students, it also limits the amount of jobs that are being filled in quantitative positions.
Math provides us with a universal language that can surpass all other barriers between the …show more content…
Harrison, and C.l. Robinson. "Recruitment and Retention of Students–an
Integrated and Holistic Vision of Mathematics Support." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology 40.1 (2009): 109-25. Eb. Web.

Repeated failures in mathematics courses are not only affecting the competency of students but their self-esteem and potential financial gains as well. This article focuses on how the majority of UK universities and colleges have seen the problems currently facing STEM students and have decided to combat their problems. They state that “
Well-resourced, open-access drop in centres, staffed by well-qualified and experienced mathematics teachers are a key feature of the provision”. They discuss ways that these centers help at risk students; disabled students, students with extreme math anxiety and students with untraditional backgrounds that need extra help when it comes to mathematics courses.

Morella, Michael, and Danielle Kurtzleben. "The State Of STEM." U.S. News Digital
Weekly 5.26 (2013): 11. Academic Search Premier.