Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in Implementing STEM-ESD Learning in Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Combining STEM education with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has the potential to foster innovation and creativity in achieving sustainable development goals within the educational field. The integration of STEM education with ESD principles offers a conducive environment for students to develop socialization skills and acquire knowledge and competencies relevant for the 21st century. The primary aim of this research is to examine existing empirical studies on the implementation of STEM-ESD learning and explore their opportunities and challenges on education. Employing the PRISMA 2020 systematic literature review method and utilizing Scopus as the primary database, a total of 160 articles were initially gathered, with only 20 meeting the criteria for thematic-qualitative analysis. This study finds that implementation of STEM-ESD learning has opportunities and challenges: 1) The opportunities of STEM-ESD learning: enhanced student understanding of interdisciplinary connections, comprehensive development of student skills, increased student awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, equipping students with skills to address real-world problems, and increased creativity and innovation among teachers and students; 2) The challenges of STEM-ESD learning: lack of readiness among teachers to integrate ESD into STEM learning, curriculum inadequacies, limited school resources and facilities, insufficient support from the stakeholders, lack of student interest and capacity.