Evolution of New Approaches in Pedagogy and STEM with Inquiry-Based Learning and Post-Pandemic Scenarios

Abstract

In the last ten years, pedagogy has been evolving rapidly in terms of teaching approaches. This study is an attempt to analyze the recently developed novel pedagogy models. STEM integration and classroom engagement are primary approaches in pedagogy in recent times. The article aims to provide educators with some analytical tools to complement the modernization of STEM pedagogy. Integration flow and skill-set balancing, along with matrix analysis, are projected to be efficient solutions for evolved pedagogy. A novel PESTLE model is framed for tackling the changes in pedagogies during pandemics and emergencies. Inquiry-based learning can foster and accelerate the cause of integrating subjects in STEM pedagogy. In addition, the article discusses the post-pandemic scenario of pedagogy in the education system as a whole.

1. Introduction

An intelligible and radical approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education calls attention to interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary engagement among students. Such an arrangement could increase the number of students in STEM through a cohesive environment provided in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. One such model of a pedagogical approach in Texas is named T-STEM; it resulted in improved high school and college readiness of students on a large scale, enhanced the teaching capability of teachers, and recommended high-quality STEM education in an integrated form [1]. Another study was made on the adaptation of information and communication technology on the Middle East subcontinent in higher education institutes of Saudi Arabia. One thousand students observed the adoption of information and communication technology in a conservative environment. Interestingly, the results showed that female students had a better academic response to this adoption than their male counterparts [2]. Several factors affect the teaching skills development process regarding skills and tools related to pedagogy among K-12 teachers. Nadelson et al. studied such an attempt through short-term residential collaborative summer schools for the professional growth of teachers. The results showed gains in perceived efficacy and comfort, as well as in the knowledge relation of participants [3].

Figure 1 shows the last two decades’ trends in article publications in related fields of STEM [4]. The graph shows the significant rise in approaches towards integration on subjects in STEM education and pedagogy. In pedagogy, several models have been formulated and discussed among education practitioners. Inquiry-based learning is one such approach, whose effectiveness is higher in science-based teaching and is recommended as a critical element in science pedagogy [5]. Inquiry-based learning is discussed in the article for further insight into the topic.

This article focuses on the insights of various recent and novel pedagogical models in the background of STEM education. The research addresses the following questions:

• What role do novel models developed in pedagogical approaches play in STEM education?
• How has innovation in pedagogy evolved?
• Is inquiry-based learning a solution for the integration of STEM streams in pedagogy?
• How will pedagogy change after the pandemic?

2. What Role Do Novel Models Developed in Pedagogical Approaches Play in STEM Education?

The teaching staff of pre-service teachers can play a crucial role, as they have been found to be more open to technology integration [6]. The transformation in pedagogy is not only subject to intellectual progressiveness, but to societal progressiveness as well. Higher education institutions still face challenges in providing a robust framework for transformative pedagogy [7]. These renovations in pedagogy require specific novel models that work on integration in STEM. STEM educators should support a long-term progressive approach along with pedagogy tools with timely supervision in pedagogy. This could be a possible rightful direction in collaborative teaching education [8]. One such attempt was made in a joint study between Chinese and Russian universities by Liu et al., who conclude that “the introduction of the “interconnect” method, which implies a greater integration of subjects during the training, showed provably higher results than the “amalgam” method” [9].

Similarly, a 3D printing STE(A)M engineering design curriculum has been introduced into classes by high school educators. This approach helps students with hands-on experience in novel tools, makes educators workshop friendly, and enables both educators and students to develop friendly knowhow with peers [10]. Going paperless for a sustainable future was the impetus behind the creation of a platform for new teaching solutions via iPad usage in classrooms and laboratories. The University of New Haven designed a curriculum for honors students, including iPad and going paperless, that has had a positive effect on the millennial generation. They noted that educators on the platform should take the utmost care to clearly understand the concepts of the experiments available on the app [11]. In context to technical modeling solutions, a French university developed a course on “systems modeling” for engineering students by C. Stoica Maniu et al. in 2019. The study draws several conclusions, as follows: “From a scientific point of view, three main assets were realized. (i) This course offers the necessary framework allowing to choose the right model typology well-suited to the model objective (simulation, optimization, control, etc.): discrete/continuous state (or time), deterministic/stochastic, mechanistic (based on physical laws)/data-driven (based on measured data), frequency/time-based model. (ii) It provides analytic and numerical approaches to analyze the reliability of the developed models concerning uncertainty propagation, sensitivity analysis, selection of a model regarding certain specifications. (iii) Simulations and, more particularly, comparison with experimental data are developed.” [12].

During the assessment, it was interesting to find out that classroom engagement is more frequent in the lower or middle level of the K-12 system. One possible reason for this could be that classroom engagement is more necessary in younger students. Kevin et al. tried three models named “Genie” and found that evidence-based e-learning for middle school students gave better results for classroom engagement [13]. Similarly, for high school students, Beumann et al. performed experiments based on the self-assessment of assignments [14]. In Ghana, a study suggests that a change in perception towards competency-based training can enhance quality education [15]. Multimodal quizzes in higher education also contribute more engagement, as engineering students were found to be able to avail formative assessment enhancing engagement [16].

Other possibilities of STEM integration have been discussed in some recent studies. Todd suggests that integrating STEM subjects in a proper form could be as complex as the global demand for new experts in STEM [17]. Integration at a higher level of education, such as engineering, still needs to be explored more [18]. STEM in a real sense needs a broader understanding and co-creation to attain the fundamental goals of STEM in K12 through integration [19]. Success in STEM integration cannot be achieved in a short time, as long as the expectations and outcomes for both learner and educator remain unaddressed [20]. Thus, significant focus is required in pedagogy to improve both classroom engagement and integration.

There is a very high dependence on online platforms in today’s world, mainly from a K-12 perspective. The authors found that in order to understand the new modules, they should be analyzed in the context of their potential to integrate subjects and develop classroom engagement parallelly. In the last few years, many researchers have conducted experimental work by creating new modules, which directly or indirectly address these two aspects. We collected articles from all pedagogy ranges, like level of education, different countries, K 12, online education, etc. From our analysis, although they could be examined simultaneously, some showed better results in classroom engagement, while some had better integration capabilities, which is shown in

Table 1. Models in pedagogical approaches for STEM education.

No.	Models Developed in Pedagogy	Field	Objectives	Year	Ref.
1.	Genie model	Classroom engagement	Incorporating effective E-learning in middle schools	2015	[13]
2.	Conceptual framework	STEM integration	Introducing a conceptual framework for integrated STEM	2016	[17]
3.	K-12 model	STEM integration	STEM integration with equitable focus on all streams	2016	[18]
4.	Self-assessment model	Classroom engagement	Promoting self-assessment assignments in higher education	2018	[14]
5.	Competency-based training (CBT)	Classroom engagement	Promoting CBT in universities of Ghana for employable student skills	2018	[15]
6.	Design-based learning—Makerspace	STEM integration	Study based on motivational factors affecting elementary students	2018	[21]
7.	Play-based learning model	Classroom engagement	Use of apps to understand the impact of interactive technology	2018	[22]
8.	Sense Making model (SMM)	STEM integration	To investigate educators conceptualization of STEM	2018	[19]
9.	Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS)	STEM integration	To understand effectiveness of ITS in STEM	2018	[23]
10.	SKOPE IT	STEM integration	To investigate the efficiency of portable ITS in STEM	2018	[24]
11.	Learning assistant program	STEM integration	Development of pedagogical knowledge in learning assistants	2018	[20]
12.	Integrated STEM black box	STEM integration	To address ill-defined gaps of integrated STEM	2018	[25]
13.	Growing tall poppies program (GTP)	Classroom engagement	To promote students to take STEM subjects in higher studies	2019	[26]
14.	Learning management system (LMS)	Classroom engagement	To investigate the use of multimodal quizzes in replacing conventional assessments	2019	[16]
15.	Peer supplemental model	STEM integration	To understand innovation in supplemental instructions	2020	[27]

.

2.1. Formulation of a Novel Integrated STEM Tree

In the perspective of K12 education, several models have been formulated by different researchers in pedagogy. A new question arises with the formulation of an integrated approach in pedagogy. We tried to analyze the perspective behind the integration of various streams of STEM. STEM education can be a bridge between the knowledge gaps investigated by various researchers around the world. Recently, many models have been developed by educators, some of which support integration and others that do not. The new novel STEM tree, shown in Figure 2, was formulated based on the model understanding. Our analysis also suggests that online education must be complemented with online assessment. This is not only important in the K12 perspective, but also in higher institutions of engineering and sciences. Educators must also upgrade themselves by making good use of the online teaching tools that are currently available. The increase of female participation in many studies revealed better outcomes in higher education when the model had an integrated approach. Educators not only need to change their subject-based mindset, but also need to upgrade themselves with modern and intelligent tutoring. The idea behind the STEM tree formulation is to provide a model solution for the integration of various subjects.

2.2. Integration of Streams in Pedagogy

The integration of various streams like mathematics, science, and technology is an inevitable development for both students and educators in the 21st century. This approach requires adequate knowledge of the field in order to formulate the integration of various streams of study [28]. The integration of pedagogy is presented in a pictorial representation in Figure 3, which frames the flow of the proposed idea to termination, keeping in view the four pillars of STEM, i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The integration of various subjects in STEM education requires a proper framework for induction in educational institutes. An adequate flow model for its implementation can achieve this.

Figure 3 provides a brief idea of the flow structure. Integration can only be achieved if an appropriate framework is provided in the teaching institution’s curriculum. The integration of streams is not an easy task for an educator. The content of various subjects can be combined in the form of a project, which can make the job easier for the teacher. Project-based learning creates an out-of-the-box thinking approach in the student. Any form of integration in today’s situation is incomplete without the digitalization of classrooms. Any modification in the context of education is preliminary without proper incorporation in the curriculum. Once modification is incorporated into the school’s curriculum, it provides cohesiveness between the students and educators. Thus, the integration flow model provides a pathway to channel STEM content properly for improved pedagogy.

3. How Has Innovation in Pedagogy Evolved?

Innovation in STEM integration is a mechanical gear-like system in which one part is interdependent to run the cycle smoothly. Knowledge of pedagogy and technical content, when combined with digitalization, creates a platform or space for innovation.

From the analysis and observations compiled in Table 1, it is evident that the pedagogy depicted in Figure 4. is evolving very quickly. Here, we tried to represent a novel model for the integration of subjects in STEM. It is recommended to combine the traditional content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge with upgraded e-learning knowledge. The technical content knowledge, for example, in engineering streams, must be enhanced with digital teaching platforms. The future study perspectives for the K12 pedagogy demand the incorporation of online and e-learning platforms in the curriculum. These changes could bring about fruitful results for STEM students at higher levels of education. In addition, online applications and platforms of learning make K12 students better prepared to grasp the technical parts of courses faster.

3.1. Suggested New Skill Set Requirements

Over time, it has been observed that pedagogy and skill development among educators are crucial factors influencing various facets of STEM learning. Different parts of the world have unique problems and approaches; therefore, the modality of skills requirement is multidimensional, and requires a comprehensive outlook. The incorporation of information and communication technology in STEM and pedagogy are ever-changing. After every decade, the models of online platforms change. Theoretical competence among educators can be observed in various studies, but practical knowhow is the key. These new models and approaches will foster educators’ skill sets and encourage students to engage with STEM and its integration into coursework.

In STEM, many innovative tools are catching up, such as innovative transparent boards for lecturers in classrooms, whose use has resulted in better post-tests results among students [29]. Apart from creative skills, spatial skills also have a significant impact on the improvement of STEM pedagogy [30]. Kirsch et al. investigated an exciting approach to translanguaging and supported multilingual pedagogy’s implications for young children [31]. Another bilingual case study on classroom reading sessions suggests special attention for students with more than one language background [32]. One survey from England revealed that the traditional skill-sets in pedagogy are not enough, and that timely intervention for skill improvement is essential [33]. Specific scientific tools, such as computer-aided design tools (CAD), are essential in educator’s skill up-gradation [34].

To strengthen the approach for inquiry-based learning, it is vital to understand the shortcomings in the current methods. In

Table 2. Recently developed skills-based pedagogy approaches.

Number	Study Approach	Current Shortcomings Observed	Skills Suggested under the Pedagogy	Ref.
1.	Improvement in STEM at liberal arts college	Low retention in STEM for a lower financial class of students	Research temperament development among teachers with field experience of laboratories	[35]
2.	Introduction of Supplemental model for better STEM and skill transferability	Gaps in STEM diversification at high school level and at undergraduate level teaching, e.g., college course work and independent study	A modified peer supplemental model comprehensive of metacognitive skills, collaborative learning, and active learning	[27]
3.	Focus on female high school students as an untapped STEM resource	STEM education programs around the world increase, but with a considerably lower number of female students and teachers	Broadening STEM areas in social psychological skills to build girls’ confidence in STEM and uncapping their potential as resources	[26]
4.	Improvement in the learning experience through innovative lectures	Experimental comparison of online learning experience in lectures through regular whiteboards and transparent boards	Focus on multimedia learning, social agency, and designing study material for online STEM students	[29]
5.	Information and communication training in the initial training of teachers in pedagogy	The deficit in the knowhow of digital tools complements digital awareness among teachers and students	The requirement of good and enhanced digital competency of teachers in online availability of tools to be incorporated in online pedagogy	[36]
6.	Importance of spatial cognitive skills in STEM education	Retention of women in engineering studies and its positive effects were analyzed through regressive analysis	Spatial skills intervention in coursework demonstrates better retention proportion for women in engineering	[30]
7.	Importance of translanguaging and its challenges in pedagogy	Issue of social inequalities among STEM students persist because of linguistic barriers	Development of translanguaging skills among teachers and students through professional development courses	[31]
8.	Reading comprehension approach in pedagogies in multimodal ways	The deficit in multimodality of younger bilinguals in reading comprehension	Improvement in multimodality facets of textual reading in classrooms rather than conventional comprehensive reading	[32]
9.	Importance of subject specialist approach in pedagogy	The less observed focus of subject-specific expertise among educators	Positive impacts of subject-specific skills focus in pedagogy; results show positive impacts	[33]
10.	Flipped classroom strategies in pedagogy for secondary students	To enhance the digital classroom learning among school students with online social learning platforms	Critical thinking skills development demonstrated a better capability among students in hypothesis identifications and induction	[37]
11.	Impact of early-stage exposure to STEM streams on academic achievements	The shortfall in American students’ academic achievement compared with peer country students	Informal learning, increase in the interactivity of teachers and students, and touchscreen devices’ adaptability in STEM courses	[38]
12.	Influence of Computer-aided design coursework in STEM pedagogy	The decline in student interest in science and math in STEM courses	Implementation of computer-aided design tools in pedagogy such as 3D in the early stages of STEM integration	[34]
13.	Use of visualization tools in STEM education	Low confidence in students who are less college-ready than peers to adopt STEM courses	Skills-based on visualization tools such as ChemSketch, ParaView, and computational visualization	[39]
14.	Cloud-based simulation service for high school STEM education	Considerable lack in teaching modalities to overcome real-world project problems	Incorporation of cloud modeling and simulation skills for project learning pedagogy activities	[40]
15.	Virtual laboratories and teaching methods development	Challenges faced by STEM educators in upscaling lab activities and experiments through online portals	Promotion of young mindful pedagogy educators with online lab skills development through platforms such as GoLabs to enhance inquiry learning	[41]

. we tried to investigate the gaps and the skills required to upgrade pedagogy. It was observed from studies that the improvement required has a broad spectrum. The pedagogy models have to be collaborative. The traditional pedagogy models need more flexibility. The courses need to be adaptable, as the situation of classrooms is not equal in all places. Sometimes, educators need to focus on other aspects such as language or gender equality. The experimental setups are also changing drastically. Virtual laboratories and experiments could evolve in the coming years. Various tools such as ChemSketch, cloud modeling, or Golabs can help in equipping educators in pedagogy. Along with tools, the development of skill sets is vital.

3.2. Skill-Set Balancing—A Solution for Skill Matrix Analysis

Various authors have provided outlook requirements of educators in pedagogy. The research gaps observed by them are compiled in

Table 3. Compilation of recent studies on inquiry-based learning in STEM pedagogy.

Number	The Hypothesis of the Study in IBL Approach	Supporting Evidence for IBL in Pedagogy	Ref.
1.	Testimony of inquiry approach in texts and experiments through virtual labs	Integration fosters inquiry and scientific temperament among students through virtual labs	[43]
2.	Use of IBL apps for science education	Functional features of learning apps help in science exploration and conceptualizations	[44]
3.	Enhancement in STEM majors for IBL approach in undergraduate math and science lessons	Explicit teaching models in the pedagogy of educators are found fruitful for IBL and STEM majors integration	[45]
4.	Predict, observe, explain, and evaluate (POEE) scaffolding approach was implemented in two IBL modules	Results support the design shift paradigm change in independent learning and also promote adaptability in self-directed learning	[46]
5.	Computer-supported collaborative IBL with critical thinking development	Tasks performed on joint simulation study in IBL gave better support among students for experimental studies	[47]
6.	Introduction of mobile-IBL in English education as a foreign language with the effectiveness of the motivational design	Results show higher motivation levels in added elements module with attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS)	[48]
7.	Co-relation of pedagogical content knowledge and ideological clarity and its impact	Critical historical IBL, when coupled with clarity on content knowledge and ideology, presents better outcome in pedagogical outputs	[49]
8.	Cognitive learning in STEAM IBL of math modules	The fusion of informal math modules in the STEAM (STEM + arts) framework leads to better mental knowledge and visual reasoning	[50]

, along with their recommended skill-set suggestions. Knowledge gaps in the study and required skills, therefore, require balance in the formulation. In addition, various factors influence the identification of the required skill sets. Figure 5 is a representation of the balancing parameters to be considered in STEM pedagogy.

Student retention is a big problem at the higher education institutional level because of lower college readiness among students. Many students suffer from language barrier issues, and as a result a significant portion of students choose not to go to college. Digital content deficit among teachers and low adaptability between students degrade the learning enthusiasm in classrooms. Therefore, the recommended skill set should be based on the gaps. Henceforth, balancing is required between the two. Skill-set balancing is an attempt to frame a cohesive environment inside the classroom. The teacher needs to understand the student’s native language with a multilingual modality so that the students want to learn more and feel comfortable. This approach will enhance the social engineering of the classroom, and it will make the study joyful. The class’s digitalization will also increase student retention ratios and prepare them for college early in the K12 study module. Thus, various educators can adopt skill-set balancing to analyze the gap and act accordingly for improved pedagogical results. This balancing could also be a potential analysis tool for policymakers at institutional levels.

4. Is Inquiry-Based Learning a Solution for the Integration of STEM Streams in Pedagogy?

The big gap between knowing and doing is well described by Gowin’s modified Vee diagram in Figure 6. Here, we assessed the recent inquiry-based learning (IBL) methodology adopted by some researchers, as well as their outcomes. The cycle of converting initial ideas to final claims has to go through the process described in Table 3. The studies’ hypothesis and their supporting evidence give a broad idea of the studies based on IBL.

A recent online IBL study revealed that integrating informal texts and virtual laboratories can enhance learning, but further validation is required in the integration aspects [43]. Learning modules with IBL are now also available on smartphones via apps. However, these apps also need to incorporate pedagogical viewpoints [44]. Surveys have observed that enhancing STEM majors’ learning capacity in undergraduate studies could produce better results [45,46]. Hence, undergraduate studies could focus on IBL majors in the curriculum. In addition, collaborative IBL is recommended for in-group studies through messages as sharing knowledge [47]. These are some innovative methods found in IBL explorations. Similarly, motivational strategies could also be incorporated in mobile IBL through learning motivations and accomplishments [48]. Educators are highly motivated to carry out these efforts when they are coupled with ideological clarity and pedagogical content knowledge [49]. On the other hand, autonomy and visual reasoning are some other tools that significantly help enhance IBL [50].

Hypothesis and the choice of methodologies followed are critical aspects of research output. It has been found that in today’s world of online education, virtual labs and mobile apps could jointly enhance an IBL approach among students. Computer-based learning models are not only innovative, but also foster easy accessibility to learning updated integrated technologies. The fusion of STEM with arts to create STE(A)M is yet another way to create reasoning and cognitive skills among students. Our analysis also leads us to recommend having expert clarity on subjects before forming any model approach. The improved IBL models can only be successful if they are backed with proper content knowledge.

5. Matrix Analysis of IBL in STEM

Future technologies are primarily dependent on academic studies in the classrooms of mid-level and higher-level educational institutes. Efficacy in learning science and technology largely depends on the art of questioning in science and mathematics. The inquiry-based learning approach provides a feel of involvement among students and gives them an idea of classroom learning achievement. The more that students feel inclined towards questioning what they learn, the more joyful learning becomes to them.

The matrix analysis attempts to understand the gaps between the future trainers and the innovations required in IBL. The matrix is flexible and could be applied to any level of hierarchical studies in pedagogy, as shown in Figure 7. Educators need to identify gaps and create their metrics depending on the situation and requirements. From the starting position of the analysis, namely the gaps identified, the creators can reach future readiness by identifying possible drawbacks.

The future is changing very quickly with technologies and platforms such as artificial intelligence and cloud data computing. STEM educators are committed to cope up with the new models. The future of pedagogy will be governed by how efficiently educators can present their content knowledge in collaboration with e-learning tools and develop inquiry-based learning in classrooms, especially in STEM classrooms.

6. How Will Pedagogy Change Post-Pandemic?

The sudden shock of the pandemic of 2020 severely affected economies, health, and industrial sectors, as well as education systems, and their policies. Education systems, schools, and educators have had to adapt as best they can. Developing and developed nations have all suffered the pandemic and its aftereffects. This situation raises the question of the post-pandemic nature of pedagogies and tools in STEM education.

The primary concern in schools, colleges, and research institutes emerged with government authorities’ lockdown situations. Classes suddenly had to make a transition to online instruction. The readiness of pedagogy educators and management is still an issue. Such a situation has not been observed on such a massive global scale in recent times. The educators trained for face-to-face pedagogy were forced to look for online solutions in pedagogy.

Some notable recommendations in dealing with pedagogy framework in the context of developing countries as per study are below: [51]

• Recognition of disparities;
• Technical assistance in pedagogy;
• Transitions in a proper timeframe;
• Proper training sessions for educators;
• Online tools modality assessment;
• Streamlining the teaching schedules;
• Alternative assessment framework in schools.

The pandemic has had repercussions not only on the educators, but on students as well. Students and educators around the world have suffered depression, anxiety, and mood swings. For instance, a study in Brazil on pharmaceutical sector students revealed a higher level of anxiety, anger, and mood swings during the pandemic period [52]. The relevance of mental health is important in pedagogy because these symptoms have also been observed among educators and management staff. Such an analysis highlights the importance of the narrative about health concerns in the pedagogy and education sector. For example, one study carried out a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis in the context of the health and educational sector [53].

6.1. The PESTLE Approach in Post-Pandemic Pedagogy

Political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental (PESTLE) analysis is a tool that supports business companies for the marketing and identification of product readiness on the various mentioned parameters, as shown in Figure 8. It fits in pedagogy because these parameters were relevant to administrators and educators during the post-pandemic scenario of 2020. The outlook towards the education system has changed in the eyes of parents, students, and lawmakers as a result of the pandemic. Thus, it becomes inevitable to disrupt the less cognitive old system and bring in a new one that addresses the issue in a broader context. A descriptive layout has been provided in Figure 8 in the context of pedagogy in STEM.

The PESTLE analysis could be an effective tool in managing such emergencies and logically understanding the situation to take the necessary steps. This approach covers understanding from the educator’s point of view and the students as well. It also has a place for the political and legal entities involved in the decision-making process, making it administration friendly.

6.2. Conditional Matrix

A conditional matrix is a tool that provides a cognitive analysis of the most favorable actions in emergencies. It can work as an extension to the PESTLE analysis. After proper identification of the parameters of concern in PESTLE, the matrix helps to make quick decisions for running STEM education. Pedagogy will suffer less if all concerns are adequately addressed in the matrix. It gives educators a broad sense of understanding to shift the classrooms from physical presence to online platforms quickly, as shown in Figure 9.

The proper implementation of the conditional matrix and PESTLE analysis can play a crucial role in educational institutes’ decision-making process for continuing education in emergencies.

7. Discussion

In this article, we attempt to identify the gaps or challenges faced by STEM educators in pedagogy. Various models have been developed recently that deal with developing different novel models for pedagogy, and this review focuses mainly on publications from the last five years, and these models are new and user-friendly. Several models of pedagogical content knowledge have also been discussed in terms of innovation in combining the benchmark idea of technological pedagogical content knowledge [54]. The novel models are a way forward for educators in the critical pedagogy approach.

Analysis of the socioemotional content in pedagogy can lead to better outcomes if educators also use emotional quotient (EQ) in STEM pedagogy [55]. Inquiry-based learning could be the torchbearer approach to teaching higher education STEM-based research in science and technology if educators are familiar with the methods. This module is a boon to research academicians when the educators are adequately motivated. Scaffolder Vee diagrams provide deep insight into STEM pedagogy by providing a step-by-step module on analytical thinking development both to educators and students [42].

The models discussed in this article cannot be fruitful unless the different STEM streams are joined together in an innovative platform. The STEM tree can flourish better with a nexus of amalgamated knowledge fields under one roof housing knowledge.

This result shows that pedagogy needs a holistic approach from researchers—as well as educators—for providing better solutions for evolved future learning among students. This aim could be achieved by thorough knowledge of the actual ground situation and creating a framework parallel to the basic requirements. Digitalization and modern online tools can provide a framework, but not completely replace the existing physical education system. However, online tools can serve as a lubricant in pedagogy’s proper and smooth functioning in STEM.

8. Conclusions

The modernization of stem education cannot be differentiated using a black or white perspective. STEM consists of various shades of grey. Optimization of skill-sets and related tools can only serve as a solution when merged with innovation. There cannot be any single concrete solution to STEM pedagogy modification, as the world is ever-changing, and so are teaching methodologies. The answer to all these queries of modernization lies in finding suitable parameters that affect the pedagogy. When combined with the best fitting model rightly placed with a current situation, the proper parameters can bear fruitful results.

Any comprehensive study on the various facets of pedagogy brings multiple aspects to its futuristic approach. Our research brings into focus four key areas that hold significance in the future of STEM pedagogy, as well as a few remarks on them, as follows:

Innovation and pedagogy are two sides of the same coin. The balance of two parameters should be designed as per the suitability and adaptability of the educators and students. Tailor-made innovations as per the requirement of educators with proper training can go hand in hand in the long run.

Skill development of educators in pedagogy is as important as technological advancements. Our literature survey reveals a deficit in the competence of many teachers in new technology adaptability. E-learning platforms have slowly gained space in classrooms, and one potentially helpful effect of the pandemic has been to force educators to engage with technology and e-learning. The new educator generation will have to be familiar with the technology in order to lead to academic success.

The article attempts to provide a bird’s eye view on the possible holistic tools that can serve as a solution for the optimizing and modernization of STEM pedagogy. The flow cycle of the integration process of STEM content leads to innovation in pedagogy in identifying proper parameters that require attention. Skill-set balancing can be a powerful tool for providing a midway solution among students and their teachers. Similarly, high and low matrix analysis in inquiry-based learning can be an innovative solution for better teaching methodology.

The post-pandemic scenario will be transforming very rapidly in pedagogy in general, and particularly in STEM education. The pandemic will leave long lasting imprints on both students and educators. The PESTLE analysis and the conditional matrix could be powerful tools in developing the new pedagogy policy and frameworks. The future is challenging for the overall education sector, but proper analysis can generate innovative ideas. The pandemic can also be a wake-up call for disruption in existing pedagogy models and incentives to look for new answers.

The review also suggests the challenge lies in modernizing the approach, as new platforms are complicated. The solution lies with pedagogy itself, as educators with adequate content knowledge must learn to merge their expertise with modern e-learning platforms. STEM pedagogy will see transformation only if the old, well-defined concepts of content knowledge shake hands with the novel modules. This gap needs STEM researchers’ deliberate attention, as the more this gap widens, the more challenging the task will become for educators.