Vocational High School Teachers' Perspectives on STEM Integration: A Qualitative Investigation

The competencies that vocational and technical education (VTE) students require upon graduation are directly aligned with the needs of modern working life, particularly in the context of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Teachers play a critical role in equipping students with STEM-related 21st-century skills. This study aimed to explore vocational and technical high school teachers' perspectives on STEM integration. A qualitative case study approach was employed, and data were collected through open-ended questions developed by the researchers. Seventeen teachers working in Vocational and Technical High Schools participated in the study. The findings revealed that teachers view STEM integration as essential for concretizing abstract knowledge, fostering problem-solving skills, encouraging product development, and addressing the workforce's need for qualified personnel. The study highlights the importance of incorporating STEM approaches into VTE to better prepare students for the challenges of the modern labor market.