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http://dx.doi.org/10.14697/jkase.2018.38.6.781

Identifying Key Competencies Required for STEM Occupations  

Jang, Hyewon (Korea National University of Education)
Publication Information
Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education / v.38, no.6, 2018 , pp. 781-792 More about this Journal
Abstract
In modern society, as technology develops and industry diversifies, students can choose from a variety of career paths. Since science, technology, engineering, and mathematics require a longer education and experience than other fields, it is important to design science education policies based on the competencies required for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. This study explores the definition of science and technology manpower and STEM occupations and identifies core competencies of STEM occupations using standard job information operated and maintained by the US Department of Labor ($O^*NET$). We specially analyzed ratings of the importance of skills (35 ratings), knowledge (33 ratings), and work activities (41 ratings) conducting descriptive analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). As a result, core competencies of STEM occupations consist of STEM problem-solving competency, Management competency, Technical competency, Social service competency, Teaching competency, Design competency, Bio-chemistry competency, and Public service competency, which accounts for 70% of the total variance. This study can be a reference for setting the curriculum and educational goals in secondary and college education by showing the diversity of science and technology occupations and the competencies required for STEM occupations.
Keywords
science and technology workforce; STEM education; career education; STEM competencies; key competencies;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 3  (Citation Analysis)
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