What are the 8 principles for inclusive STEM education and how can they inform STEM teaching practice?

In this episode, we explore the origins and evolution of the 8 (were 7) principles. We unpack the research behind their development, the challenges they were designed to address, and why educators are integral to advancing equity in STEM.

You’ll get an overview of all eight principles, along with an exploration of how technology can be meaningfully integrated into STEM learningand the role of cultural context in STEM teaching. We also share practical ways teachers can bring these principles into their classroom teaching and how the principles can be used across whole school planning.

Rebecca Vivian (she/her) 

Dr Rebecca Vivian is a Senior Research Fellow at the Computer Science Education Research (CSER) Group at Adelaide University on Kaurna Country. She specialises in STEM engagement, teacher professional learning and technology-enhanced education, with a strong focus on improving access and participation for underrepresented groups. Rebecca leads CSER’s national STEM education programs that have engaged over 60,000 teachers across Australia, helping to build more inclusive and innovative learning environments.

Jackie Steffan (she/her) 

Jackie Steffan is a research associate in the CSER group and doctoral candidate at Adelaide University on Kaurna Country. Her research specialises in STEM education, educational psychology and immersive technology. Her work explores innovative teaching approaches and the role of emerging technologies in enhancing student learning. Jackie is also a registered teacher and a passionate advocate for equity in STEM. She has spoken publicly about the challenges underrepresented cohorts face and is focused on creating more inclusive and accessible education pathways for diverse learners.

What are the 8 principles for inclusive STEM education and how can they inform STEM teaching practice?
In this episode, we explore the origins and evolution of the 8 (were 7) principles. We unpack the research behind their development, the challenges they were designed to address, and why educators are integral to advancing equity in STEM.
You&rsquo;ll get an overview of all eight principles, along with an exploration of how technology can be meaningfully integrated into STEM learningand the role of cultural context in STEM teaching. We also share practical ways teachers can bring these principles into their classroom teaching and how the principles can be used across whole school planning.
Rebecca Vivian (she/her)&nbsp;
Dr Rebecca Vivian is a Senior Research Fellow at the Computer Science Education Research (CSER) Group at Adelaide University on Kaurna Country. She specialises in STEM engagement, teacher professional learning and technology-enhanced education, with a strong focus on improving access and participation for underrepresented groups. Rebecca leads CSER&rsquo;s national STEM education programs that have engaged over 60,000 teachers across Australia, helping to build more inclusive and innovative learning environments.
Jackie Steffan (she/her)&nbsp;
Jackie Steffan is a research associate in the CSER group and doctoral candidate at Adelaide University on Kaurna Country. Her research specialises in STEM education, educational psychology and immersive technology. Her work explores innovative teaching approaches and the role of emerging technologies in enhancing student learning. Jackie is also a registered teacher and a passionate advocate for equity in STEM. She has spoken publicly about the challenges underrepresented cohorts face and is focused on creating more inclusive and accessible education pathways for diverse learners.

Get Into STEM is a new podcast supporting Australian educators to engage every student in meaningful STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience.

Join STEM educator, writer, and creative Michelle Hamill in season one as she chats with guests about creating neuro‑affirming STEM classrooms, the role of school leaders in STEM education, citizen science in schools, and the opportunities and resources available across the STEM education landscape.

Get Into STEM is a new podcast supporting Australian educators to engage every student in meaningful STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience.
Join STEM educator, writer, and creative Michelle Hamill in season one as she chats with guests about creating neuro‑affirming STEM classrooms, the role of school leaders in STEM education, citizen science in schools, and the opportunities and resources available across the STEM education landscape.

Get into STEM 

Conversations supporting Australian educators to engage every student in STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience. Each episode explores practical teaching strategies, expert insights, and real classroom success stories. We feature diverse voices from across Australian STEM education and unpack a new topic each episode. STEM thrives on diversity, and all students benefit from STEM learning. Subscribe to the show, and let’s Get into STEM.

Conversations supporting Australian educators to engage every student in STEM learning, regardless of background, ability, or experience. Each episode explores practical teaching strategies, expert insights, and real classroom success stories. We feature diverse voices from across Australian STEM education and unpack a new topic each episode. STEM thrives on diversity, and all students benefit from STEM learning. Subscribe to the show, and let&rsquo;s Get into STEM.