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This article provides a literature-based critical review of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and STEM education. STEM is located in and contributes to a neoliberal view of economics and is narrowly focused on technological solutions to global problems. As such, it is unable to provide the kind of education students at all levels need for them to understand, imagine and prepare themselves for a sustainable future. The article calls for a reframing of science away from the technological focus of STEM, i.e. techno-science, towards a science of reconnection with nature and an opening of students’ imagination, and considers some of the elements of university leadership that are needed to enable this.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	STEM education, neoliberalism, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, disconnection, students' understanding, nature, university leadership
Research Division:	Education
Research Group:	Education systems
Research Field:	Higher education
Objective Division:	Education and Training
Objective Group:	Teaching and curriculum
Objective Field:	Assessment, development and evaluation of curriculum
UTAS Author:	Smith, C (Dr Caroline Smith)
UTAS Author:	Watson, J (Professor Jane Watson)
ID Code:	138986
Year Published:	2020
Deposited By:	Education
Deposited On:	2020-05-18
Last Modified:	2021-11-23
Downloads:	8 View Download Statistics