Abstract

STEAM education is a pedagogical approach that merges science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics and aims to develop learner knowledge, skills/life skills and attitudes, while promoting engagement. It can be particularly relevant in alternative education provision settings, such as the Youthreach programme for early school leavers, in Ireland. This research is based on the implementation of a two-year project “Full STEAM ahead: A partnership approach to STEAM in Youthreach”. This paper presents the approach adopted to design a Framework for STEAM Education in Youthreach, developed in light of current literature and through co-creation between researchers and stakeholders, over the first year of the project. Stakeholder viewpoints were gathered through interviews, then analysed through qualitative content analysis. This involved comparing interview transcripts to a pre-determined coding frame based on the Framework for STEAM Education in Youthreach. The Framework identifies STEAM; STEAM learning outcomes; STEAM session supports; and STEAM assessment. The proposed Framework is informed by the innovative and emerging field of literature in STEAM education and the important role that STEAM education can play within Youthreach alternative education provision in Ireland.