Yi Thung Gan’s research while affiliated with University of Nottingham and other places

Education in the STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—has become essential to learning in the twenty-first century, particularly in rural places where resources for education are sometimes scarce. The present state of STEM education in rural regions is examined in this systematic study, with an emphasis on the use of STEM interventions and technology. The goals are to close the knowledge gap in rural STEM interventions and to provide research directions to improve STEM education in rural areas. This systematic review examined 64 articles in rural STEM education published between July 2013 and June 2023. The findings revealed that while STEM toolkits have proven effective in enhancing student engagement and academic performance in non-Asian contexts with most studies conducted in North America, there is a significant lack of understanding of their implementation and impact in Asian rural communities. Future research should focus on creating STEM interventions that are resource-conscious and culturally sensitive as well as expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in rural STEM education. Comprehensive teacher training programs are needed to give educators the tools they need to successfully implement STEM education. Rural STEM education could empower students to actively participate in the global economy and foster positive community impacts.