A Study on the Impact of STREAM Education on South African Students' Engagement and Creativity: Exploring a Holistic Educational Pathway

Abstract

This study evaluates the transformative impact of STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education on student engagement and creativity in South African schools. Integrating arts and research components into the curriculum fits global pedagogical changes meant to promote holistic learning, as traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) frameworks change. Inspired by projects like Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the Schools of Specialism run by the Gauteng Department of Education, the study stresses the need for developing creativity, critical thinking, and research skills alongside technical ability.Constructivist learning theory, which supports experiential and inquiry-based learning and thereby helps to synthesise multidisciplinary elements within the STREAM framework, provides the theoretical basis. By use of qualitative techniques comprising interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations, the study seeks to investigate how the incorporation of arts, research, and reading shapes student involvement and creative output.Global experiences show how well multidisciplinary approaches integrate research and arts into curricula to increase engagement and real-world preparedness, therefore highlighting their advantages. According to the study, in line with African philosophical concepts like Ubuntu, indigenous knowledge systems and culturally relevant pedagogies are also very important in helping students to feel belonging and actively participate.The study also explores how reading could inspire research and multidisciplinary knowledge and emphasises how artists help to develop soft skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity, which are fundamental qualities vital for Industry 4.0. The study provides legislators, teachers, and curriculum experts with practical insights and recommendations to improve instructional methods, thereby assuring that the learning environment is inclusive, interes