An Experimental Approach to Develop and Assess Steam-Type Behaviors in Extracurricular Activities in Kindergarten Children

This study explores an experimental approach to developing and assessing the STEAM-type behaviors in kindergarten children through extracurricular activities. STEAM education, encompassing the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, is increasingly recognized for its potential to foster creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking, specific to preschool stage. The research was conducted with a middle group of 5-6-year-olds from a kindergarten in Arad, Romania. The experimental group consisting of 24 preschoolers and the control group of 24 preschoolers were evaluated. A STEAM behavior assessment grid was developed, encompassing five dimensions, each with five items. Twenty-four students used this evaluation grid to assess two children each, one from experimental class and one from control class, during both pretest and posttest stages. The STEAM behavior assessment grid focused on key areas such as curiosity, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The study's methodology ensured a comprehensive evaluation by involving pre-service teachers in the assessment process, thereby also contributing to their professional development. The innovative activities were structured to encourage active engagement and foster a deeper understanding of STEAM concepts. The results of the experimental research reveal that children in the experimental group exhibited a notable enhancement in STEAM-related behaviors compared to those in the control group. More specific, the experimental class showed increased abilities in creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. These findings suggest that the integration of STEAM-focused extracurricular activities can significantly impact the developmental trajectories of young children.