Kaori Arai

11.1 The Development of STEAM-type Educational Training Subject Matter: A Report on “Architects in the Town of Matches” Practice in Japan-Vietnam Exchange Teacher Training (Poster)

Kaori Arai – Nishikyushu University, Saga, Japan

Abstract:

This report introduces an initiative in STEAM education aimed at making art education more accessible by linking it with other subjects. STEAM education, as an interdisciplinary and experiential approach, emphasizes solving real-world problems through hands-on learning. It is important for learners to engage in individual practice, reflect on their activities, and explore ways to develop and deepen their work. The act of creating tangible objects leads to reflection through their use, display, or further adaptation. This hands-on experience, when connected with scientific knowledge, offers opportunities for exploratory learning.

In art and craft classes at Japanese elementary schools, students are encouraged to enjoy the processes of making, remaking, and continuing to create. This subject, which fosters autonomy and intrinsic motivation, naturally aligns with the principles of STEAM education and supports cross-curricular integration. For this reason, we proposed a series of accessible and diverse activities suitable for all learners and developed a theme for a booth-type STEAM workshop grounded in art and craft materials. These activities were designed to encourage active participation and engagement. 

The “Match Town Architect” workshop is a creative activity focused on understanding the structure and decoration of buildings. Participants used matchsticks and hot glue guns to construct imaginative architectural forms. This theme was implemented during the “Japan–Vietnam STEAM Education Experience Training” at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education in both March and September 2024.