Challenges to STEM Education in Vietnamese High Schools

This research article investigates the challenges faced in implementing STEM education in public high schools in Vietnam. The study involved ten experienced teachers from various schools in a central province, utilizing in-depth semi-structured interviews to gather data. The analysis revealed multiple challenges related to interdisciplinary knowledge, teaching methods, curriculum constraints, and the teachers' beliefs about effective STEM education. Notably, the findings indicated a significant tension between the teachers' beliefs and the educational goals, influenced by local cultural values and the schooling system's expectations. The study emphasizes the necessity of understanding these challenges to inform teacher professional development and improve STEM education practices. Additionally, it highlights the need for curriculum reform and pedagogical implications that could benefit not only Vietnamese contexts but also other similar educational environments. The research aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on STEM integration and its effectiveness in developing countries, particularly in Asia.