Why Ethics Training Is Needed In STEM Classrooms
More and more schools are offering STEM education to help students gain the skills and knowledge they need to pursue 21st century careers. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the curriculum involves high levels of critical thinking.
While professional engineers have the knowledge to build a bridge or manufacture an autonomous vehicle, there is more to these projects than knowing how to make something. Ethics also plays a role, but it is often left out of the classroom. Professional engineers are often not made aware of the role ethics plays in their careers until they face administrative issues and their license is on the line.
STEM should be more than just four subjects taught in isolation in a classroom. Professional engineers need to think beyond what they learned in school. They need to include the human component. They need to think about morality and ethics as well so they can achieve desirable outcomes.
This is something professional engineers need to be taught in school – and it should not just be incorporated into existing classes. The curriculum needs to include dedicated classes on how ethics works in the real world and how people can be mindful of it in the workplace.
Ethics is important. Those who go on to become professional engineers play a huge role in their communities. They need to create projects that not only advance technology but also help, rather than harm, the public.
An effective STEM program would do the following:
- Insist upon academic honesty and integrity
- Promote the common good
- Address access issues
- Allow independent thought
- Provide training to engage with rapidly changing technology in an ethical manner
- Respect the planet and its resources
Some schools have taken note and already incorporated ethical studies into STEM and other science and engineering programs. This has led to students who are better prepared for the workplace. This has also led to better scores in terms of moral development.
While schools need to be receptive to incorporating ethics training as part of a STEM curriculum, students need to be on board as well. While the end goals are to get good grades and obtain a degree, those should not be the only goals. It is the students’ responsibility to prepare themselves for the future. Therefore, they should be willing to accept new challenges with integrity and an open mind. This includes connecting out-of-school experiences to real-world problems. Students should work to put solutions in places by using teamwork to solve community problems.
Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Professional Engineers Licensing Lawyer
Professional engineers are often taught the practical aspects of their field, but ethics often takes a back seat. Without proper training, they could face licensing issues due to ethical issues.
Protect yourself with help from Tampa professional engineers licensing lawyer David P. Rankin. He has the experience to help you with your case. He has represented more than 100 professional engineers before the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. To schedule a consultation, call (813) 968-6633 or fill out the online form.
Sources:
forbes.com/sites/neerajain/2021/02/28/solving-technical-problems-requires-more-than-just-technological-advancements/?sh=560d6f035b71
thejournal.com/articles/2020/02/12/ethics-in-stem-education-going-beyond-the-classroom.aspx
