STEM with a Conscience: Exploring the Development of STEM Skills and Social Values among Malaysian Students

This study explores how participation in the MADANI School Adoption Program – BITARA STEM cultivates both STEM skills and social values among Malaysian secondary school students. Using a qualitative descriptive design, the research employed thematic analysis to analyse students’ open-ended responses regarding the national problems they aspire to solve in the future. The data were analyzed comparatively across pre- and post-intervention phases to examine how students’ thinking and aspirations evolved after engaging in the STEM-based program. Five overarching themes emerged: (1) Social and Moral Responsibility, (2) Economic and Livelihood Concerns, (3) Integrity and Governance, (4) Environmental and Disaster Awareness, and (5) Personal Development for Nation Building. Post-intervention findings revealed a clear shift from general empathy to solution-oriented thinking grounded in STEM skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and technological literacy. Students articulated aspirations such as “building flood-resilient homes,” “reducing electricity costs,” and “eliminating bullying,” demonstrating their ability to connect scientific understanding with humanistic and civic values. The study concludes that value-based STEM education nurtures learners who are not only scientifically literate but also empathetic, ethical, and socially responsible. It highlights the potential of Value-Based STEM Education to integrate 21st-century competencies with humanistic principles and the MADANI philosophy, thereby shaping future citizens who can use science and technology conscientiously for the benefit of society.

STEM, STEM Skills, Social Values, Technology Literacy

1. T. P. L. Nguyen, T. H. Nguyen, and T. Tran, "STEM Education in Secondary Schools: Teachers’ Perspective towards Sustainable Development," Sustainability, 2020-10-26 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Y. Hwang, Y. Ko, S. Shim, S. Ok, and H. Lee, "Promoting engineering students’ social responsibility and willingness to act on socioscientific issues," International Journal of Stem Education, vol. 10, 2023-02-09 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Y. Rahmawati, E. Taylor, P. Taylor, and R. Koul, "Student empowerment in a constructivist values learning environment for a healthy and sustainable world," Learning Environments Research, vol. 24, pp. 451-468, 2020-09-15 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. T. Kelley and J. Knowles, "A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education," International Journal of STEM Education, vol. 3, pp. 1-11, 2016-07-19 2016 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. K. Gunckel and S. Tolbert, "The imperative to move toward a dimension of care in engineering education," Journal of Research in Science Teaching, vol. 55, pp. 938-961, 2018-09-01 2018 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. L. Valladares, "Scientific Literacy and Social Transformation," Science & Education, vol. 30, pp. 557-587, 2021-04-10 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. M. Nalipay, B. Huang, M. Jong, C. Chai, and R. King, "Promoting STEM learning perseverance through recognizing communal goals: understanding the impact of empathy and citizenship," International Journal of STEM Education, 2024-03-18 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. R. Snieder and Q. Zhu, "Connecting to the Heart: Teaching Value-Based Professional Ethics," Science and Engineering Ethics, vol. 26, pp. 2235-2254, 2020-04-16 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Alali, K. Alsoud, and F. Athamna, "Towards a Sustainable Future: Evaluating the Ability of STEM-Based Teaching in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Learning," Sustainability, 2023-08-18 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. E. Gallay, C. Flanagan, and B. Parker, "Place-Based Environmental Civic Science: Urban Students Using STEM for Public Good," vol. 6, 2021-08-30 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Y. Georgiou and E. Kyza, "Fostering Chemistry Students’ Scientific Literacy for Responsible Citizenship through Socio-Scientific Inquiry-Based Learning (SSIBL)," Sustainability, 2023-04-10 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Campbell and C. Speldewinde, "Early Childhood STEM Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, 2022-03-17 2022 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. A. U. Alarcon, F. Talavera-Mendoza, F. H. R. Paucar, K. S. C. Caceres, and R. M. Viza, "Science and inquiry-based teaching and learning: a systematic review," vol. 8, 2023-05-05 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Suryati, P. B. Adnyana, I. Ariawan, and I. Wesnawa, "Integrating Constructivist and Inquiry Based Learning in Chemistry Education: A Systematic Review," Hydrogen: Jurnal Kependidikan Kimia, 2024-10-31 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Morris, "Experiential learning – a systematic review and revision of Kolb’s model," Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 28, pp. 1064-1077, 2019-01-24 2019 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Lestari, "Experiential learning using STEM approach in improving students’ problem solving ability," Journal of Physics: Conference Series, vol. 1806, 2021-03-01 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. T. E. Siregar, N. Luali, R. C. Vinalistyosari, F. Hanurawan, and A. E. Anggraini, "Implementation of Vygotsky’s Constructivism Learning Theory through Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in Elementary Science Education," Al Qalam: Jurnal Ilmiah Keagamaan dan Kemasyarakatan, 2024-06-21 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Zeidler, "The Role of Moral Reasoning on Socioscientific Issues and Discourse in Science Education," 2003-01-01 2003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. M. Stojanovska, "Integrating ethics and democratic principles in chemistry education: a case study," Chemistry Teacher International, vol. 6, pp. 373-383, 2024-10-09 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. P. Ng, P. Chen, A. Wu, K. Tai, and C. Li, "Reimagining STEM Learning: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Service Learning Approaches for Social Entrepreneurship," IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, vol. 17, pp. 2266-2280, 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. M. J. C. Guerrero and M. A. Forment, "Case Studies About Moral Dilemas to Apply Ethical Theories in Engineering Education," IEEE Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnologias del Aprendizaje, vol. 19, pp. 1-6, 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. T. Van Der Leij, L. Avraamidou, A. Wals, and M. Goedhart, "Supporting Secondary Students’ Morality Development in Science Education," Studies in Science Education, vol. 58, pp. 141-181, 2021-06-28 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. S. Y. Tan, "Reflective learning? Understanding the student perspective in higher education," Educational Research, vol. 63, pp. 229-243, 2021-04-03 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. H. Huvard, R. Talbot, H. Mason, A. N. Thompson, M. Ferrara, and B. Wee, "Science identity and metacognitive development in undergraduate mentor-teachers," International Journal of STEM Education, vol. 7, pp. 1-17, 2020-07-02 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. M. Gardner and J. Tillotson, "Interpreting Integrated STEM: Sustaining Pedagogical Innovation Within a Public Middle School Context," International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, pp. 1-18, 2018-10-03 2018 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. N. Ghazali, K. B. M. Yusof, F. Phang, R. Arsat, N. A. Ahmad, and H. Morino, "Engineering Students Learning Experience through a Unique Global Project-Based Learning," Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., vol. 16, 2021-08-11 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. M. Shahin, O. Ilic, C. Gonsalvez, and J. Whittle, "The impact of a STEM-based entrepreneurship program on the entrepreneurial intention of secondary school female students," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, pp. 1-32, 2020-12-04 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Diekman, M. Joshi, A. White, Q.-A. N. Tran, and J. Seth, "Purpose reflection benefits minoritized students’ motivation and well-being in STEM," Scientific Reports, vol. 14, 2024-01-03 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. W. Husin et al., "Fostering Students' 21st Century Skills through Project Oriented Problem Based Learning (POPBL) in Integrated STEM Education Program," vol. 17, 2016-06-01 2016 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Y. Rahmawati, E. Taylor, P. Taylor, A. Ridwan, and A. Mardiah, "Students’ Engagement in Education as Sustainability: Implementing an Ethical Dilemma-STEAM Teaching Model in Chemistry Learning," Sustainability, 2022-03-17 2022 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. J. Fullana, M. Pallisera, J. Colomer, R. F. Peña, and M. Pérez-Burriel, "Reflective learning in higher education: a qualitative study on students’ perceptions," Studies in Higher Education, vol. 41, pp. 1008-1022, 2016-06-02 2016 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. K. Hansen, "Optimistic Fiction as a Tool for Ethical Reflection in STEM," Journal of Academic Ethics, vol. 19, pp. 425-439, 2021-03-22 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Byrne, "A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis," Quality & Quantity, vol. 56, pp. 1391-1412, 2021-06-26 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. W. Xu and K. Zammit, "Applying Thematic Analysis to Education: A Hybrid Approach to Interpreting Data in Practitioner Research," International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 19, 2020-04-10 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. D. Owens, T. Sadler, D. Petitt, and C. Forbes, "Exploring Undergraduates’ Breadth of Socio-scientific Reasoning Through Domains of Knowledge," Research in Science Education, vol. 52, pp. 1643-1658, 2021-08-09 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. K. Smith et al., "Principles of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in STEM Education: Using Expert Wisdom and Research to Frame Educational Practice," Education Sciences, 2022-10-21 2022 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. K. S. Tang, F. McLure, J. Williams, and C. Donnelly, "Investigating the role of self-selected STEM projects in fostering student autonomy and self-directed learning," The Australian Educational Researcher, 2024-03-11 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Lucietto and D. Peters, "Editorial: Engineering technology and engineering: incorporating the humanities into the classroom," Frontiers in Education, 2024-12-20 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. K. Madhavi, V. Mosherani, and A. Anadakumar, "Empowering Engineering Ethics: Integrating Project-Based Learning for Holistic Student Development in VLSI Education," Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 2024-12-01 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. J. Ortiz-Revilla, A. Adúriz-Bravo, and I. Greca, "A Framework for Epistemological Discussion on Integrated STEM Education," Science & Education, vol. 29, pp. 857-880, 2020-06-02 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. M. Jones et al., "Learning contexts and visions for STEM in schools," International Journal of Science Education, vol. 47, pp. 337-357, 2024-03-12 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. L. Cheek, V. Carter, M. Daugherty, and C. Goering, "Connecting Compassion: Empathy's Role in STEM and Literacy Integration," The Reading Teacher, 2024-08-08 2024 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. R. A. Ekselsa, W. Purwianingsih, S. Anggraeni, and A. Wicaksono, "Developing system thinking skills through project-based learning loaded with education for sustainable development," JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 2023-02-25 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Y. N. Demssie, H. Biemans, R. Wesselink, and M. Mulder, "Fostering students’ systems thinking competence for sustainability by using multiple real-world learning approaches," Environmental Education Research, vol. 29, pp. 261-286, 2022-11-17 2022 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Falloon, "From digital literacy to digital competence: the teacher digital competency (TDC) framework," Educational Technology Research and Development, vol. 68, pp. 2449-2472, 2020-03-29 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Widowati, A. Purwanto, and Z. Akbar, "Problem-Based Learning Integration in Stem Education to Improve Environmental Literation," International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, 2021-07-23 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. R. Istiana, D. Herawati, F. Herniningtyas, I. Ichsan, and A. Ali, "STEM Learning to Improve Problem Solving Ability on the Topic of Environmental Education," Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 2023-03-31 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Abdurrahman, H. Maulina, N. Nurulsari, I. Sukamto, A. N. Umam, and K. M. Mulyana, "Impacts of integrating engineering design process into STEM makerspace on renewable energy unit to foster students' system thinking skills," Heliyon, vol. 9 4, 2023-04-01 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. M.-N. Chan and D. Nagatomo, "Study of STEM for Sustainability in Design Education: Framework for Student Learning and Outcomes with Design for a Disaster Project," Sustainability, 2021-12-28 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Nugent, B. Barker, G. Welch, N. Grandgenett, C. Wu, and C. Nelson, "A Model of Factors Contributing to STEM Learning and Career Orientation," International Journal of Science Education, vol. 37, pp. 1067-1088, 2015-03-09 2015 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. T. Luo, W. So, Z. Wan, and W.-C. Li, "STEM stereotypes predict students’ STEM career interest via self-efficacy and outcome expectations," International Journal of STEM Education, vol. 8, pp. 1-13, 2021-05-17 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Falloon, M. Hatzigianni, M. Bower, A. Forbes, and M. Stevenson, "Understanding K-12 STEM Education: a Framework for Developing STEM Literacy," Journal of Science Education and Technology, vol. 29, pp. 369-385, 2020-06-01 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. M. Imad, M. Reder, and M. Rose, "Recasting the agreements to re-humanize STEM education," Frontiers in Education, 2023-10-05 2023 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. S. Wren, "Improving Emirati Students’ Social Responsibility Competence Through Global Citizenship Education," Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Gulf Perspectives, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 80-94, 2021 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. R. M. R. Ebrahim and H. Julie, "Developing a Service-Learning Module for Oral Health: A Needs Assessment," African Journal of Health Professions Education, vol. 9, no. 1, p. 13, 2017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. S. B. Kruger, M. Nel, and G. J. V. Zyl, "Implementing and Managing Community-Based Education and Service Learning in Undergraduate Health Sciences Programmes: Students’ Perspectives," African Journal of Health Professions Education, vol. 7, no. 2, p. 161, 2015 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. M. M. Castillo, I. D. Sánchez, and S. D. Ocampo, "Leaders Do Not Emerge From a Vacuum: Toward an Understanding of the Development of Responsible Leadership," Bus. Soc. Rev., vol. 125, no. 3, pp. 329-348, 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. F. Zhai, "The Evaluation to the Social Responsibility Consciousness of the College Students Based on AHP-fuzzy Model," Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 38, no. 6, pp. 7067-7072, 2020 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. F. Kristanti, "Developing Competence, Conscience, and Compassion Through Reflective Pedagogy," 2017 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study