Examination of STEM practices in science education in terms of different variables: A meta analysis study

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the effectiveness of STEM practices in science education on academic achievement, STEM attitudes and interests towards STEM professions and various study characteristics by using meta-analysis method. For this aim, by examining the relevant literature, 318 studies in which STEM education was used between the years 2010-2022 were reached. A total of 86 studies were included in the research according to the determined study characteristics and inclusion criteria. The random effects model was preferred because the structure was heterogeneous when the studies were analyzed and combined. As a result of the analyzes made with the help of CMA package program, the overall effect size of the studies on the effect of STEM practices on students' academic success was found to be 1,330. In addition, the overall effect size of studies investigating the effect of STEM activities on students' STEM attitudes was 0.926, while the overall effect size of studies investigating their interest in STEM professions was calculated as 1.197. While the effect sizes of the variables of academic achievement and interest in STEM professions are at a strong level according to the Cohen criteria, the effect size of the STEM attitudes variable is a medium size. These values show that STEM practices are significantly more effective than traditional teaching strategies in science education. Additionally, when the findings are examined, it is seen that there is no publication bias among the studies included in the study. As a result of moderator analysis, the effect of STEM practices on academic achievement and STEM attitudes was found to be differ significantly according to moderator variables: grade level, type of publication, and sample size. It is thought that this study, which examines the effects of STEM practices in science education, that is conducted to gather the studies examining the effects of STEM practices on existing variables under a single roof and to reveal the trends in this research area, will shed light on the studies to be done from now on. KEYWORDS: Science education, STEM practices, Meta-Analysis, Academic achievement, Attitude, Interest in STEM Professions