First Year Experience Program Focused on Social Skills for STEM Human Resources Developed Based on STEM Major Student Backgrounds and Next Generation Science Standards Concepts

Abstract

Japan is transforming its higher education policies and system. In addition to knowledge and skills in specialized fields, extremely high levels of social skills are required to develop human resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) due to these policy changes. This study aimed to expand the first-year experience program for STEM human resources, by examining whether social skills can be enhanced by course content focused on the learning background of STEM human resources. A survey was conducted among first-year students in Japan, which focused on social skills and recognition of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) practices, and Target university competency model (EUCS-S). Concerning growth in social skills, the t-test revealed that ten out of 11 items indicated a significant difference at the 10% level. Regarding shortened class schedules, four out of eight items exhibited a significant difference at the 10% level of NGSS eight practices, and four out of five items exhibited a significant difference at the 0.1% level of EUCS-S. The findings suggested that with flexibility, effective learning can occur within a short period. For future research, further data and research are required through questionnaires and analyses to elucidate students’ views on learning and learning backgrounds.