STEM AND STEAM EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH TRENDS (2021–2025)

Umi Shalihah Putri Purwati, Dwi Siti Nur Hayati

Abstract


Purpose – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) have been widely adopted as interdisciplinary learning approaches that integrate multiple disciplines to address the challenges of 21st-century education. This study aims to systematically examine research trends in STEM- and STEAM-based science learning at the secondary school level during the period 2021–2025.

Methodology – This study employed a systematic literature review using the PRISMA approach. The article search process was conducted through the ERIC and Scopus databases. This study was limited to articles discussing science learning at the secondary school level. Based on the selection and screening process according to the PRISMA approach, 39 articles were obtained for further analysis.

Findings – Research indicates that STEM topics are more prevalent than STEAM topics in secondary school science subjects. The dominant science material combined with STEM or STEAM is physics. The cognitive domain frequently appears in both STEM and STEAM research. Empirical research is needed to determine the potential of the STEM or STEAM approach to improve learning skills.

Contribution - This research provides a methodological overview of the research patterns that have developed in the STEM and STEAM approach in science learning at the secondary school level in the last five years, so that it can be a reference for future researchers in designing empirical research and further studies

Keywords


STEM education; STEAM education; Science learning; Secondary school; Systematic literature review

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abdurrahman, A., Maulina, H., & Nurulsari, N. (2023). Heliyon Impacts of integrating the engineering design process into STEM makerspace on the renewable energy unit to foster students ’ system thinking skills. Heliyon, 9(4), e15100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15100

Afrijal, Yulianti, D., & Rohman, F. (2023). STEAM-Based Science Student Worksheets to Improve Elementary School Students ’ Scientific Literacy. Thinking Skills and Creativity Journal, 6(2), 94–105.

Amanova, A. K., Butabayeva, L. A., Abayeva, G. A., Umirbekova, A. N., Abildina, S. K., & Makhmetova, A. A. (2025). A systematic review of the implementation of STEAM education in schools. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(1).

Arti, Y., Widowati, A., & Krautharot, A. (2025). A Literature Review on the Integration of Ethno-STEAM in Science Learning through Local Potential : The Case of ‘ Mi Lethek Bantul .’ Indonesian Journal of Integrated Science Education, 7(2).

Asrizal, Usmeldi, & Azriyanti, R. (2023). Meta-Analysis of the Influence of the STEM-Integrated Learning Model on Science Learning on 21st Century Skills. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(8), 339–347. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i8.3094

Astawan, I. G., Suarjana, I. M., Werang, B. R., Asaloei, S. I., Sianturi, M., & Elele, E. C. (2023). STEM-Based Scientific Learning and Its Impact on Students’ Critical and Creative Thinking Skills: An Empirical Study. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(3), 482–492. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v12i3.46882

Aurelia, C., Santhalia, P. W., & Kristiyanto, W. H. (2023). STEAM-Integrated Problem-Based Learning : Indonesian Music on Sound Wave Concepts, 9(10), 9078–9084. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i10.3495

Bakirci, H., Kirici, M. G., & Kara, Y. (2022). The Effectiveness of STEM-Supported Inquiry-Based Learning Approach on Conceptual Understanding of 7 th Graders : Force and Energy Unit. Journal of Science Learning, 5(January). https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v5i3.43647

Bardoe, D., Hayford, D., Bagngmen, R., & Gyabeng, J. (2023). Challenges to implementing STEM education in the Bono East Region of Ghana. Heliyon, 9(10), e20416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20416

Baydere, F. K., & Bodur, A. M. (2022). 9 th Grade Students ’ Learning of Designing an Incubator through Instruction Based on Engineering Design Tasks. Journal of Science L, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v5i3.47226

Baykır, A., Mirici, S., & Sönmez, D. (2022). Aquaponics Systems as an Educational Tool: Effects on Students’ Achievement and Teachers’ Views. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 15(1), 693–714.

Birnin, G., Usman, T., Ali, M. N., & Ahmad, M. Z. (2023). Effectiveness of STEM problem-based learning on the achievement of biology among secondary school students in Nigeria. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 20(3), 453–467. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2023.026

Bloom, B. S., Engelhart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. New York: Longman.

Chappell, K., Hetherington, L., Juillard, S., Aguirre, C., & Duca, E. (2025). A framework for effective STEAM education : Pedagogy for responding to wicked problems. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 9(April). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2025.100474

Fajrina, S., Lufri, L., & Ahda, Y. (2020). Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ( STEM ) as a Learning Approach to Improve 21st Century Skills : A Review. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering, 16(7), 95–104.

Flores-godínez, R., Alarcón-paredes, A., Guzmán-guzmán, I. P., Maldonado-astudillo, Y. I., & Alonso-silverio, G. A. (2025). Enhancing Students ’ Interest in Physics Concepts with a Low-Cost STEM Tool Focused on Motivation in Rural Areas of Developing Countries. Education Sciences, 15(8), 1–18.

Gu, X., Tong, D., Shi, P., Zou, Y., Yuan, H., & Chen, C. (2023). Incorporating STEAM activities into creativity training in higher education. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 50(August), 101395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101395

Hehakaya, W., Matdoan, M. N., Rumahlatu, D., Education, B., Pattimura, U., Education, B., & Pattimura, U. (2022). Integrating STEAM with PjBL and PBL on biology education: Improving students’ cognitive learning results, creative thinking, and digital literacy. Biosfer:Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi (BIOSFER), 15(1), 76–84.

Hsiao, P., & Su, C.-H. (2021). A Study on the Impact of STEAM Education for Sustainable Development Courses and Its Effects on Student Motivation and Learning. Sustainability, 13(3772), 1–24. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772

Ilma, A. Z., Wilujeng, I., Widowati, A., Nurtanto, M., & Kholifah, N. (2023). A Systematic Literature Review of STEM Education in Indonesia ( 2016-2021 ): Contribution to Improving Skills in 21 st Century Learning, 13(2), 134–146. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.13.02.17

Imron, E. M., Sarwendah, F., Nugraheni, A., & Utami, B. (2025). Effectiveness of Ethno-STEM-Based Science Teaching with the Project- Based Learning Model on Students ’ Scientific Literacy. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA, 11(2), 435–453.

Kitchenham, B. (2004). Procedures for Performing Systematic Reviews. Australia: Keele University.

Lupión-Cobos, T., Girón-Gambero, J., & García-Ruiz, C. (2022). Building STEM Inquiry-Based Teaching Proposal Through Collaborations Between Schools and Research Centers: Students’ and Teachers’. European Journal of Educational Research, 11(2), 899–915.

Maryna, N., Hanna, M., Kristina, P., Olena, K., Serhii, K., & Yana, S. (2025). STEM education through the eyes of teachers from various specialties at the Ukrainian Pedagogical University. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 9(100464). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedro.2025.100464

Muchtar, A. H., & Ding, L. (2024). Integrated STEM Education in Indonesia : What Do Science Teachers Know and Implement? Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia, 12(1), 232–246.

Mukherjee, S., & Kittur, J. (2025). Learning through cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains: Understanding undergraduate engineering students’ perspectives in the United States. Engineering Education Review, 3(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.54844/eer.2025.0916

Nasir, M. H., Widiatmono, R., & Kuswanto, H. (2025). Problem-Solving Skill in Physics Learning : Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(4), 34–40. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i4.9579

Nugraha, M. G., Kidman, G., & Tan, H. (2024). Interdisciplinary STEM education foundational concepts : Implementation for knowledge creation. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(10).

Nur, S., & Ikhsan, J. (2024). Implementation of STEM Integrated Problem-Based Learning Model to Improve Problem-Solving Skills and Learning Motivation of Grade X Vocational High School Students on the Material of Substances and Their Changes. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(11), 8882–8891. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i11.9121

Nurazmi, N. (2025). Mapping the Evolution of STEAM Education : A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Trends from 2016 to 2025. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(9), 940–965.

Oanh, D. T. K., & Dang, T. D. H. (2025). Effect of STEAM Project-Based Learning on Engineering Students’ 21st Century Skills Duong. European Journal of Educational Research, 14(3), 705–721.

Parameswari, P., Sutoyo, S., & Azizah, U. (2023). Scoping Literature Review of STEM Research in Indonesia in Improving Critical Thinking Skills and Concepts Mastery. Indonesian Journal Of Education Research and Review, 6, 383–395.

Pasani, C. F., & Amelia, R. (2021). Introduction of the integrative STEAM approach as a learning innovation in the COVID-19 pandemic in South Kalimantan. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Ser. 1832. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1832/1/012029

Pohan, L., Suyanti, R., Nugraha, A. W., Pebrianti, D., Panjaitan, R., & Hasibuan, S. (2024). Implementation of STEM-Based Inquiry in Learning Fundamental Laws of Chemistry: Students' Perception. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 13(3), 447–458. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v13i3.3431

Rahmawati, Y, Erdawati, E., Ridwan, A., Veronica, N., & Hadiana, D. (2024). Developing Students' Chemical Literacy Through the Integration of Dilemma Stories Into A STEAM Project on Petroleum Topic. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 14(2), 376–392. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.2221

Rahmawati, Y., Taylor, E., Taylor, P. C., Ridwan, A., & Mardiah, A. (2022). Students ’ Engagement in Education as Sustainability : Implementing an Ethical Dilemma-STEAM Teaching Model in Chemistry Learning. Sustainability, 14(3554). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063554

Rahmayani, F., Kuswanto, H., & Rahmat, A. D. (2024). Development of E-Book Integrated Augmented Reality Based on STEM Approaches to Improve Critical Thinking and Multiple Representation Skills in Learning Physics. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 14(4), 632–641. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2024.14.4.2087

Sanz-camarero, R., Ortiz-revilla, J., & Greca, I. M. (2023). The Impact of Integrated STEAM Education on Arts Education: A Systematic Review. Education Sciences, 13(1139).

Sittisak, R., & Roekmongkol, N. (2025). Developing Opportunity-Expanding Schools (OES) STEM Education in Thailand. Educational Process: International Journal, 16(e2025200). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.16.200

Swandi, A., Sujiono, E. H., Khaeruddin, & Sinring, A. (2025). Development of a STEM hybrid research-based learning model to improve the scientific reasoning of undergraduate students. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(11). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/17287

Ter, T., Tan, M., & Lee, Y. (2022). Education Sciences Building: Improvised Microbial Fuel Cells : A Model Integrated STEM Curriculum for Middle-School Learners in Singapore. Education Sciences, 12(417). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12060417

Tiryaki, A., & Adıgüzel, S. (2021). The Effect of STEM-Based Robotic Applications on the Creativity and Attitude of Students. Journal of Science Learning Solving, 4(3), 288–297. https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v4i3.29683

Tunc, C., & Bagceci, B. (2021). Teachers ’ Views of the Implementation of STEM Approach in Secondary Schools and The Effects on Students. Pedagogical Research, 6(1), 1–11.

Verma, M. (2024). Empowering the Future : The Transformative Impact of STEAM Education. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 8(4), 1139–1143.

Wahyudi, I., Rusilowati, A., Nugroho, S. E., & Widiyatmoko, A. (2024). Evaluation of STEM Literacy Test Instrument on Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures Using Multidimensional Rasch Analysis. Journal of Innovative Science Education, 13(2), 55–63.

Yang, D., & Baldwin, S. J. (2020). Using Technology to Support Student Learning in an Integrated STEM Learning Environment. To cite this article : Using Technology to Support Student Learning in an Integrated STEM Learning Environment. International Journal of Technology in Education and Science (IJTES), 4(1), 1–11.

Yesildag-hasancebi, F., Guner, O., Kutru, C., & Hasancebi, M. (2021). Impact of Stem Integrated Argumentation-Based Inquiry Applications on Students ’ Academic Success, Reflective Thinking, and Creative Thinking Skills Omer Guner, Cagla Kutru, and Mehmet Hasancebi. Participatory Educational Research, 8(4), 274–296.

Yüksel, A. O. (2025). Design ‑ Based STEM Activities in Teacher Education and Their Effect on Pre-Service Science Teachers ’ Design Thinking Skills. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 34, 904–918. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-025-10215-2




DOI: https://doi.org/10.36987/jes.v13i4.8523

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Umi Shalihah Putri Purwati

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Lisensi Creative Commons
Jurnal Eduscience (JES) by LPPM Universitas Labuhanbatu is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY - NC - SA 4.0)