A Systematic Literature Review on Interdisciplinary STEM Integration Strategies in Mathematics Education
Usmadi, Ergusni
Abstract
This study presents a systematic literature review on the interdisciplinary approach to integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in mathematics education. The review explores the extent, characteristics, and outcomes of interdisciplinary STEM integration with mathematics as the core discipline. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 65 peer-reviewed, indexed articles published between 2013 and 2024 were thematically analyzed. Findings reveal that interdisciplinary STEM integration enhances mathematical understanding, problem-solving skills, and student engagement, especially when designed through authentic contexts and collaborative pedagogies. However, key challenges persist regarding teacher preparedness, curriculum alignment, and assessment methods. This review offers strategic recommendations for effective STEM curriculum design and directions for future research.
Keywords
STEM integration
mathematics education
interdisciplinary teaching
instructional
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perceptions and student outcomes. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 2.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0151-2.
career and technical education. Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research,
15(3), 10–15.
Becker, K., & Park, K. (2011). Effects of integrative approaches among STEM subjects on
students’ learning: A meta-analysis. Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and
Research, 12(5–6), 23–37.
Bell, R. L. (2016). Connecting science and engineering education practices in meaningful
ways. Science Scope, 39(6), 10–15.
Berland, L. K. (2013). Designing for science argumentation: Insights from classrooms. Science
Education, 97(2), 239–262. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21060
Berland, L. K. (2013). Designing for STEM integration. Journal of Pre-College Engineering
Education Research, 3(1), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.7771/2157-9288.1078
Bicer, A., Capraro, R. M., & Capraro, M. M. (2017). The effects of STEM PBL on students’
mathematical and scientific achievements. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based
Learning, 11(1), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1672
Bozkurt, A., & Sharma, R. C. (2020). Emergency remote teaching in a time of global crisis due
to CoronaVirus pandemic. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 1–6.
Breiner, J. M., Johnson, C. C., Harkness, S. S., & Koehler, C. M. (2012). What is STEM? A
discussion about conceptions of STEM in education and partnerships. School Science
and Mathematics, 112(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.2011.00109.x
Brown, R. A., & Brown, J. W. (2010). What is STEM education and why is it important? Middle
Grades Research Journal, 5(4), 223–228.
Bybee, R. W. (2010). Advancing STEM education: A 2020 vision. Technology and Engineering
Teacher, 70(1), 30–35.
Bybee, R. W. (2013). The case for STEM education: Challenges and opportunities. National
Science Teachers Association.
Capobianco, B. M., & Radloff, J. (2019). Designing for integrated STEM learning: Insights
from four classrooms. School Science and Mathematics, 119(6), 334–343.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.12333
Capobianco, B. M., Yu, J. H., & French, B. F. (2015). Effects of engineering design-based
science on elementary school science students’ engineering identity development.
Journal of Engineering Education, 104(4), 679–705. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20105
Capraro, R. M., Capraro, M. M., & Morgan, J. R. (2013). STEM Project-Based Learning: An
Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Approach.
Sense Publishers.
Chalmers, C., Carter, M., Cooper, T., & Buys, L. (2017). Exploring the use of a Maker Space
within a school: Developing a framework for research and practice. International
Journal
of
Technology
and
Design
Education,
27,
793–806.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-016-9365-z
Czerniak, C. M., Weber, W. B., Sandmann, A., & Ahern, J. (1999). A literature review of
science and mathematics integration. School Science and Mathematics, 99(8), 421–430.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.1999.tb17504.x
Dare, E. A., Ring-Whalen, E. A., Wieselmann, J. R., Roehrig, G. H., & Johnson, A. M. (2019).
Creating a continuum of STEM models: A comparison of STEM programs with and
without engineering. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 1–14.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0172-5
English, L. D. (2016). STEM education K-12: Perspectives on integration. International
Journal of STEM Education, 3(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0036-1
English, L. D., & King, D. T. (2015). STEM learning through engineering design: Fourth-grade
students’ investigations in aerospace. International Journal of STEM Education, 2(1),
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-015-0027-7.
Gresnigt, R., Taconis, R., van Keulen, H., Gravemeijer, K., & Baartman, L. (2014). Promoting
science and technology in primary education: A review of integrated curricula. Studies
in Science Education, 50(1), 47–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2013.877694.
Henriques, L., & Carreira, S. (2018). Professional development for STEM educators:
Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of STEM Education, 5(1), 40.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0134-2.
Herro, D., Quigley, C. F., & Jacques, L. A. (2017). STEM as “situated”: An integrative STEM
framework for education in digital contexts. Journal of Research in Science Teaching,
54(4), 507–525. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21380.
Honey, M., Pearson, G., & Schweingruber, H. (Eds.). (2014). STEM integration in K–12
education: Status, prospects, and an agenda for research. National Academies Press.
https://doi.org/10.17226/18612.
Hsu, M. C., Purzer, ?., & Cardella, M. E. (2011). Elementary teachers’ views about teaching
design, engineering, and technology. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education
Research, 1(2), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.7771/2157-9288.1037.
Johnson, C. C., Peters-Burton, E. E., & Moore, T. J. (2016). STEM Road Map: A Framework
for Integrated STEM Education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315753150.
Kelley, T. R., & Knowles, J. G. (2016). A conceptual framework for integrated STEM
education.
International
Journal
of
STEM
Education,
3(1),
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0046-z.
Kelley, T. R., Knowles, J. G., Han, J., & Choi, D. (2018). A framework for STEM education
programs: The role of authentic experience. International Journal of STEM Education,
5(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0159-7.
Lantz, H. B. (2009). Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education:
What form? What function? Curriculum Brief, 18(3), 1–4.
Lantz, K. E., & Kass, J. (2019). Integrating STEM and literacy instruction in the elementary
classroom. The Reading Teacher, 72(5), 595–606. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1804.
Lestari, P. A. S., & Widodo, S. A. (2020). Integrating STEM in elementary education: A case
study of teachers’ lesson planning in Indonesia. Journal of Physics: Conference Series,
1465(1), 012041. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1465/1/012041.
Li, Y. (2014). International perspectives on STEM education. International Journal of STEM
Education, 1(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1186/2196-7822-1-3.
Li, Y., Wang, K., Xiao, Y., & Froyd, J. E. (2020). Research and trends in STEM education: A
systematic review of journal publications. International Journal of STEM Education,
7(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00207-6.
Lin, Y. C., Hsu, Y. S., Wu, H. K., & Yeh, Y. F. (2019). Developing an instrument for assessing
students’ creativity in science (SCS). International Journal of Science Education,
41(12), 1612–1635. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2019.1620578.
Lou, S. J., Chou, Y. C., Shih, R. C., & Chung, C. C. (2017). A study of creativity in LEGO
Mindstorms robot project-based learning. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science
and
Technology
Education,
13(6),
2587–2604.
https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.01240a.
Margot, K. C., & Kettler, T. (2019). Systematic review of STEM education: Teacher
perceptions and student outcomes. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 2.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0151-2.
