MATHEMATICAL APPROACHES IN STEM-EDUCATION

Abstract

The article reveals the importance of introducing STEM education into the educational process of training mathematics teachers. In the modern world, this is not just a fashionable term, but a necessity that meets the challenges of the 21st century and prepares students for professional activity. STEM education is inherently focused on solving complex, interdisciplinary problems. STEM-trained math teachers teach students not just to have the right answer, but to analyze problems, develop strategies, experiment, and find innovative solutions, which is extremely important for any profession. It is noted that one of the key competencies for lifelong learning is mathematical competence, as the ability to develop and apply mathematical thinking to solve problems in different situations and contexts, the ability to present and evaluate arguments, and to prove. Attention is focused on the need to use interactive group learning methods, game technologies, and methods for developing critical and systemic thinking, which will allow developing cognitive activity, communication, creativity, and also arouse students' interest in the subject. The importance of using mathematical methods is shown, which give the research process clarity, structure, rationality, efficiency and ensure the formation of students' STEM competencies at a sufficient level. A detailed analysis of traditional and modern mathematical methods is given, which include: explanatory and illustrative method, reproductive method, problem method, gamification, interactive methods, research method, registration, ranking and scaling method, modeling method. The method of mathematical modeling, which is universal and widely used in almost all spheres of human activity, is more thoroughly covered. Examples of the use of the modeling method during the study of an integrated course of natural and mathematical disciplines using digital technologies are given.