Enhancing Scientific Research Competencies of Vietnamese High School Students through STEM Education

Abstract Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics ( STEM ) education offers a valuable approach for developing scientific research competencies ( SRC ) in students, yet it remains underutilized for this purpose in Vietnamese high schools. Additionally, no suitable tools currently exist to assess SRC s effectively. This study explores a model for applying STEM education to enhance SRC s among high school students in Vietnam and introduces tools to measure performance gains. The research was conducted in four stages: administering surveys to 71 chemistry teachers and 860 students across Vietnam to assess current practices and select participants; developing SRC assessment tools; conducting an experiment on making smart epoxy lamps; and conducting an experiment on the synthesis of glucosamine hydrochloride. Data from tests and rubrics showed measurable increases in students’ SRC s. This study is the first in Vietnam to present a model integrating STEM education and competency assessment tools to both enhance and measure SRC s in high school students.