THE ROLE OF THE STEM/STEAM/STREAM APPROACH IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS WORKING IN PRESCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES

This paper aims to point out the importance of the STEM/STEAM/STREAM approach in the professional development and training of teachers in preschool teacher training colleges. Within the theoretical framework of the paper, the essential concepts related to the process of improvement of higher education teachers are discussed and the topicality of the problem of professional training is indicated. The methodological framework of the research is based on a research goal oriented to the examination of the opinions of teachers and associates of the Unit for Preschool and Nursery Teachers of the Academy of Applied Studies Šabac on the role of STEM/STEAM/STREAM approaches in the professional development of teachers. The general goal of the research is specified through two research tasks: 1) to examine how teachers perceive the impact of the STEM/STEAM/STREAM approach in their professional development process; and 2) to determine to what extent the research of examples of good practice and perspective in the field of STEAM through the establishment of partnerships with other institutions and organizations dealing with STEAM contributes to the improvement of knowledge and skills in the application of STEAM approaches in teaching. Using the descriptive method, by the Likert scale of judgments, the attitudes of teachers and associates of the Unit for Preschool and Nursery Teachers were examined and analyzed. The research results indicate that the system of professional development and training, which is based on important programs and legal document contributes to the improvement of the knowledge and skills of teachers in the application of the STEAM approach in teaching and the need for permanent training in different areas, to achieve a higher level of quality work with students.