The Global Picture of STEM Education Development and China’s Action Strategies from the Perspective of an Educational Leading Country

doi:10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2026.05.006

Abstract

Abstract:

Driven by the continuous globalization and technological revolution, STEM education is evolving from a traditional multidisciplinary model toward integrated STEM education, becoming a crucial component of national strategies for educational excellence. This study develops a three-dimensional analytical framework encompassing “policy positioning, practical orientation, and academic trends.” Based on this framework, it systematically reviews the global trajectory of STEM education research since 1986 from multiple perspectives—international policy evolution, practical pathway development, and theoretical paradigm shifts—dividing it into three distinct stages: the inception stage (1986–1999), the expansion stage (2000–2015), and the integration stage (2016–present). The core developments and structural characteristics of each stage are thoroughly examined to depict a comprehensive global landscape of STEM education advancement. Employing bibliometric and social network analysis, the study reveals the multifaceted logic underlying international STEM education development: in theoretical frameworks, a shift from “parallel disciplinary” approaches to integrated STEM education; in practical orientation, a transition from interdisciplinary concepts to multidimensional curriculum implementation frameworks; in policy positioning, a progression from marginalization to strategic centrality. Concurrently, it identifies the challenges facing STEM education in China, including theoretical construction, policy implementation, and pedagogical practices. Finally, the study proposes four pathways for deepening reform: strengthening policy guidance to unify theoretical foundations and practical innovation, enhancing interdisciplinary integration in STEM education, employing mixed-methods research for innovative STEM education studies, AND establishing a supportive ecosystem for STEM education development. These pathways offer action strategies for building a distinctive Chinese STEM education system.

Key words: STEM education, global picture, logic of development, path of deepening

Gang Zhu, Yi Wu, Shujing Wu, Fengkuang Chiang. The Global Picture of STEM Education Development and China’s Action Strategies from the Perspective of an Educational Leading Country[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Educationa, 2026, 44(5): 56-74.

Figures/Tables 3

时间	政策/报告名称	发布机构/组织	主要内容
1986年	《本科的科学、数学和工程教育》(Undergraduate Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education)	美国国家科学委员会(NSB)	呼吁加强科学、数学和工程教育，首次提出对教育系统中数学、科学和工程进行整合的教育改革
1989年	《面向全体美国人的科学》(Science for All Americans)	美国科学促进会 (AAAS)	提出科学素养的概念，为科学教育改革设定基准，为STEM教育的早期发展奠定基础
1996年	《国家科学教育标准》(National Science Education Standards)	美国国家研究委员会(NRC)	提出将科学与技术、工程思想融入科学教育的主张，为STEM整合的初步框架提供指导
2000年	《达喀尔行动纲领》(The Dakar Framework for Action)	联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)	强调教育质量与公平，为STEM教育的全球推广提供政策背景
2006年	《终身学习的关键能力：一个欧洲参考框架》(Key Competences for Lifelong Learning— A European Reference Framework)	欧盟理事会（CEU）、欧洲议会（EP）	将数学、科学与技术列为关键终身学习能力，推动STEM相关课程在欧洲范围内的应用
2010年	《欧洲2020战略》(Europe 2020)	欧盟委员会（EC）	强调创新与技能提升，明确支持STEM 技能的教育目标，推动与数字技能相关的政策
2011年	《下一代科学教育标准》(Next Generation Science Standards)	美国全国州长协会（NGA）、美国州首席中小学教育官员理事会（CCSSO）、美国科学促进会（AAAS）、美国科学教学协会（NSTA）	制定K-12科学教育的新标准，强调跨学科整合，注重学生的实践能力和科学素养
2015年	《教育2030行动框架》(Education 2030 Framework for Action)	联合国教科文组织（UNESCO）及教育2030合作伙伴	对接联合国可持续发展目标(SDG4)，明确STEM教育在提升教育质量和促进创新中的重要作用
2016年	《非洲教育大陆战略(2016—2025)》(Continental Education Strategy for Africa [2026—2035])	非洲联盟(African Union)	强调科学、技术和创新教育，以推动非洲人力资本发展和经济增长
2017年	《G20教育部长宣言》(G20 Education Ministers’ Declaration)	G20教育部长会议 (The G20 Education Ministers’ Meeting)	强调STEM技能对经济和就业市场的重要性，呼吁各国加强高质量STEM教育的投入和发展
2018年	《破解密码：女童和女性的STEM教育》(Cracking the Code: Girls’ and Women’s Education in STEM)	联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)	关注性别平等问题，呼吁提高女性在STEM领域的参与率，提出支持女性参与STEM的政策建议
2020年	《工程：发展中的问题、挑战和机遇》(Engineering: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development)	联合国教科文组织(UNESCO)	强调工程教育作为STEM核心的一部分在可持续发展中的关键作用，呼吁加强工程教育的投资与实践
2021年	《数字教育行动计划(2021—2027)》(Digital Education Action Plan[2021—2027])	欧盟委员会（EC）	推动数字技能与素养教育，包括编程和ICT，作为对STEM教育数字化的支持
2022年	《OECD 2030学习指南》(OECD Learning Compass 2030)	经合组织（OECD）	强调未来素养与创新能力的重要性，包括STEM技能的培养，以应对绿色转型和数字化挑战
2023年	《G7教育部长会议声明》(G7 Education Ministers’ Statement)	G7教育部长会议(The G7 Education Ministers’ Meeting)	呼吁加强STEM教育应对全球绿色和数字化转型的需求，特别关注STEM相关职业技能的培养

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