Guidelines for online PLC with a lesson study approach to promote STEM education

Abstract

This research aims to provide guidelines for the development of online learning communities for educational institutions in order to promote STEM education. The information presented is based on the study of STEM instruction and a professional learning community (PLC) of 17 primary school teachers from 6 private schools in Thailand. In each school, semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers responsible for science, mathematics and technology instruction. Technology refers to computer, design and technology courses. In addition, there were 9 expert interviews, including STEM, computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and online learning communities, and lesson study concepts. The results of qualitative analysis found that three points about the development of an online PLC in schools to promote STEM teaching should be considered: 1. Individual means a member who will participate in an online PLC, including support staff such as school administrators and technical staff. 2. Information technology refers to a system or tools that can be used as a medium for exchanging knowledge gained from learning among members. 3. Content refers to the structuring of the content displayed in the online learning community and the scheduling of members' activities. Therefore, all these must be considered in the planning of online PLC development that allows members to interact and communicate through the use of CSCL tools, which will lead to the exchange of learning and help among members such as analyzing contents that can be used to link subjects or considering a theme used for STEM instructional design. © Behavioral Science Research Institute.