Coding Ireland Launch “2024 STEM Report”

Coding Ireland is excited to announce the publication of the Coding Ireland STEM Report 2024, the largest survey and analysis of the current state of STEM and Digital Skills education in Irish Primary and Secondary Schools, Youth Centres, and Libraries.

By surveying teachers from schools around Ireland, including DEIS schools, as well as youth centres and libraries, the report gathers essential data on current practices, challenges, and resource availability in the teaching of Digital Skills such as Coding and Robotics.

The report, including charts, statistics and commentary, can be viewed at https://www.codingireland.ie/STEMReport2024

Areas of Focus:

1. Current Practices: Investigating how STEM and Digital Skills are currently being integrated into school curriculums, youth centres, and library programs.
2. Resource Availability: Assessing the availability and adequacy of equipment and materials for effective STEM education.
3. Teacher Training: Evaluating the level of professional development and training that teachers and educators have received in coding and robotics.
4. Barriers to Implementation: Identifying the obstacles that schools, youth centres, and libraries face in adopting and implementing coding and robotics programs.

Key Findings:

1. National Integration of STEM & Digital Skills: Two-thirds of educational bodies in Ireland are actively teaching STEM and Digital Skills, showcasing a significant commitment to preparing our students for the future.
2. Barriers and Supports Needed: 58% of respondents cited lack of funding as a major barrier, while 72% expressed the need for more professional development opportunities to enhance their teaching methods.
3. Professional Development: 60% of educators across Ireland participated in STEM-related professional development in the past year, highlighting a strong interest in improving their skills and knowledge.
4. Funding and Resources: A significant 62% of educators identified a critical need for increased funding to improve STEM education in their institutions.
5. Awareness Among Parents: 55% of educators believe that increasing parental awareness about the importance of STEM will significantly benefit students’ engagement and learning outcomes.
6. Future Outlook: An optimistic 80% of educators across Ireland feel positive about the future of STEM education, foreseeing substantial growth and improvement in the coming years.

About Coding Ireland:

Coding Ireland is dedicated to making coding and robotics education accessible, engaging, and fun for students of all ages. We work with schools, youth centres, and libraries across the country, providing a digital skills curriculum designed to support STEM education from Junior Infants to 6th Year.

“We are thrilled to launch the Coding Ireland STEM Report 2024. By providing a detailed overview of the current state of STEM education in Ireland, we hope to inspire improvements that will benefit students and educators alike,”

Alan Joyce, Founder, Coding Ireland