Role of pedagogical approaches in fostering innovation among K-12 students in STEM education

The intricate challenges of the modern world demand students to be equipped with advanced skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) practices can help develop these capabilities in students from an early age. However, as technology continues to advance rapidly, STEM education has experienced a rapid transformation with seamless integration of various technologies. Students in the K-12 education is required to keep up with the growing innovation and to bridge this gap, pedagogical approaches play a crucial role. Therefore, this review presents the current landscape, developmental trends, and future directions of the various pedagogical practices used to integrate innovation in K-12 STEM. The characteristics and environmental perceptions that influence the development of innovation in students using such approaches are examined. Results from 42 systematically shortlisted studies indicate positive correlations of personalized pedagogical approaches in promoting innovation in students, thereby increasing STEM literacy in K-12 education. However, limitations that remain with teacher competencies and school facilities to cope with various pedagogical approaches are also discussed. Finally, we conclude with our recommendations on effective and efficient approaches that can be implemented in K-12 STEM education to develop the skills and mindset in students necessary to become innovative thinkers and prepare them for a technology-driven society.