THE TEACHERS` AND STUDENTS` AWARENESS OF STEM EDUCATION PRACTICED IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN KAZAKHSTANI SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS

Gulnaz Turaliyeva, Gulnara Kassymova

Abstract

Abstract. This article highlights the vital role of teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in English in Kazakhstani secondary schools specialized in science and explores teachers` and students’ knowledge and awareness of STEM education practiced in English. The data reflected in this article is based on small-scale research held through the survey conducted among 149 Kazakhstani secondary school learners with in-depth study in math, physics and biology and interviews with 3 content teachers who practice teaching STEM subjects in English in schools specialized in science. The results of the survey demonstrate that students` general knowledge about a term of STEM is relatively low. Also, the results of the interview with teachers show that the STEM approach is applied through English in specialized schools and participants relate this approach to other methods such as PBL and CLIL. It provides encouraging expectations for further study and implementation of integrated STEM education with ELT in Kazakhstani secondary schools. Keywords. STEM, STEM education, English in STEM, soft skills, integrated approach, professional English, ELT.