ABSTRACT
Future directions for integrating STEM relate to agendas and trends in higher education more generally. This chapter discusses the levers for integrating STEM in coursework, as well as the challenges of implementing interdisciplinarity, while retaining the scope for having specialists as part of what is offered in higher education institutions. Student experiences will depend on how problem-solving, inquiry and challenge approaches are used to combine knowledge, processes and capability development within activities, projects, courses and qualifications. Continuous improvement of curriculum design and its alignment with authentic assessment will be very important for extending integrated STEM, especially to solve local and global issues. Using design- and evidence-based research approaches, changes to curriculum can be reviewed and improved in response to student outcomes and comments. Research related to the benefits and challenges of integrating STEM, including any uplift in capabilities, can support future curriculum development essential for supporting the creation of new knowledge, innovation, employment and a range of other outcomes for graduates.
