Experiential STEM education as a pathway to enhancing problem-solving skills in primary schools

Authors

  • Tran Thi Thoa Mai Dich Primary School, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Do Phuong Anh Nam Thanh Cong Primary School, Hanoi, Vietnam

Keywords:

STEM education, experiential learning, problem-solving skills, primary education, interdisciplinary learning, educational innovation

Abstract

Experiential STEM education has become an important educational approach for developing problem-solving skills and learner competencies in primary education. This study examined the role of experiential STEM activities in enhancing problem-solving skills among primary school students in Vietnam. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining classroom observation, semi-structured interviews, and a survey involving 115 primary school teachers in Hanoi. The findings indicate that experiential STEM education positively influences students’ creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and learning engagement. Teachers reported that interdisciplinary STEM activities created more active and learner-centered classroom environments in which students could apply knowledge to practical situations and participate directly in problem-solving processes. The study also identified several challenges affecting STEM implementation, including limited teacher training, insufficient instructional resources, and large class sizes. The findings suggest the importance of strengthening teacher professional development and institutional support in order to improve the effectiveness of experiential STEM education in Vietnamese primary schools.

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References

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Published

2026-05-16

How to Cite

Thoa, T. T., & Anh, D. P. (2026). Experiential STEM education as a pathway to enhancing problem-solving skills in primary schools. Tennessee Research International of Social Sciences, 8(1), 245–256. Retrieved from http://triss.org/index.php/journal/article/view/150

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1: January-June 2026

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Tennessee Research International of Social Sciences

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