Engineers report proposes reforms to SA education sector
A report to be released by Engineers Australia South Australia Division warns that, with the relative decline in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capability and literacy of South Australian school students, there will not be enough engineers and related professionals to achieve the targets of South Australia’s Strategic Plan.
The analysis and recommendations of the Engineers Australia (EA) report “Technically Speaking” will be presented by Bill Filmer, EA’s South Australian Division President, at a breakfast forum “Engineering Our Future” at Adelaide’s Hyatt Hotel, tomorrow 12 November.
While acknowledging that South Australia has a comprehensive and inclusive education system that performs well under international comparisons, the report draws focus on the need to mobilise schools to improve the STEM capability and literacy of students.
Bill Filmer, said, “It is no exaggeration to say that the relative decline in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics capability and literacy of South Australian school students is a very serious situation that requires decisive remedial action by the government.
“There is an urgent need for reprioritisation in schools, staffing and curricula to overcome this problem to enable South Australia to be more competitive in the knowledge-based economy.”
This report identifies five major issues:
- The shortage of skilled engineers is impacting on the ability of organisations to undertake and complete projects;
- The use of “science” as an umbrella term for STEM including engineering, which masks the function of engineering and the career opportunities available;
- The lack of training in, and commitment to, STEM among primary school teachers;
- The need for substantially increased STEM teaching resources and hands-on practical experience in secondary schools; and
- The lack of coordination of the many STEM resources available to ensure that comprehensive, relevant, and hands-on STEM education is delivered in South Australia.
To improve SA’s capabilities, Engineers Australia believes that it is not up to the South Australian government to tackle the issue alone, “The government needs to form effective partnerships to support and facilitate the work done by community and professional groups to enhance STEM education in South Australia, and Engineers Australia commits to working with government to enhance STEM education throughout the State, “ Bill Filmer said.
