education sciences Review Evolution of New Approaches in Pedagogy and STEM with Inquiry-Based Learning and Post-Pandemic Scenarios Csaba Deák 1,2,*, Baibhaw Kumar 3,* , István Szabó 4,Gábor Nagy 5 and Szabolcs Szentesi 5 1 Institute for the Development of Enterprises, Corvinus University of Budapest, 1093 Budapest, Hungary 2 Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, University of Miskolc, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary 3 Institute of Energy Engineering and Chemical Machinery, University of Miskolc, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary 4 Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Pannonia, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary; istvan.szabo@nkfih.gov.hu 5 Institute of Logistics, University of Miskolc, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary; [email protected] (G.N.); [email protected] (S.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected] (C.D.); [email protected] (B.K.) 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. Citation: Deák, C.; Kumar, B.; Szabó, Keywords: pedagogy; STEM; E-learning; inquiry-based-learning; pandemic I.; Nagy, G.; Szentesi, S. Evolution of New Approaches in Pedagogy and STEM with Inquiry-Based Learning and Post-Pandemic Scenarios. Educ. 1. Introduction Sci. 2021, 11, 319. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/educsci11070319 An intelligible and radical approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathe- matics (STEM) education calls attention to interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary engage- Academic Editor: Ileana Maria Greca ment 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 Received: 30 April 2021 institutions. One such model of a pedagogical approach in Texas is named T-STEM; it re- Accepted: 23 June 2021 sulted in improved high school and college readiness of students on a large scale, enhanced Published: 26 June 2021 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 commu- Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral nication technology on the Middle East subcontinent in higher education institutes of Saudi with regard to jurisdictional claims in Arabia. One thousand students observed the adoption of information and communication published maps and institutional affil- technology in a conservative environment. Interestingly, the results showed that female iations. 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. Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. The results showed gains in perceived efficacy and comfort, as well as in the knowledge Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. relation of participants [3]. This article is an open access article Figure1 shows the last two decades’ trends in article publications in related fields distributed under the terms and of STEM [4]. The graph shows the significant rise in approaches towards integration conditions of the Creative Commons on subjects in STEM education and pedagogy. In pedagogy, several models have been Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// formulated and discussed among education practitioners. Inquiry-based learning is one creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ such approach, whose effectiveness is higher in science-based teaching and is recommended 4.0/). Educ. Sci. 2021, 11, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070319 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/education Educ. Sci. 2021, 11, 319 2 of 16 Educ. Sci. 2021, 11, 319 2 of 16 approach, whose effectiveness is higher in science-based teaching and is recommended as asa critical a critical element element in science in science pedagogy pedagogy [5]. Inquiry-based [5]. Inquiry-based learning learning is discussed is discussed in the article in the articlefor further for further insight insight into the into topic. the topic. Figure 1.1. Trends inin science,science, technology,technology, engineering,engineering, andand mathematicsmathematics (STEM)(STEM) publicationpublication based on contentcontent inin STEMSTEM educationeducation [[4].4]. This article focusesfocuses onon thethe insights insights of of various various recent recent and and novel novel pedagogical pedagogical models models in thein the background background of STEMof STEM education. education. The The research research addresses addresses the the following following questions: questions: • What role do novel models developed in pedagogical approaches play in • What role do novel models developed in pedagogical approaches play in STEM ed- STEM education? ucation? • How has innovation in pedagogy evolved? • How has innovation in pedagogy evolved? • Is inquiry-based learning a solution for the integration of STEM streams in pedagogy? • Is inquiry-based learning a solution for the integration of STEM streams in peda- • How will pedagogy change after the pandemic? gogy? • 2. WhatHow Role will Do pedagogy Novel Models change Developedafter the pandemic? in Pedagogical Approaches Play in STEM Education? 2. What Role Do Novel Models Developed in Pedagogical Approaches Play in STEM The teaching staff of pre-service teachers can play a crucial role, as they have been Education? found to be more open to technology integration [6]. 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