THE INTERCONNECTION OF STEAM EDUCATION WITH THE CURRICULUM AND THE CHALLENGES OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND PRIMARY EDUCATION

Abstract
In the era of rapid technological advancement and innovation, the need for an education system that prepares students for global challenges is greater than ever. STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) represents an interdisciplinary approach aimed at fostering critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, and global competencies. Therefore, linking STEAM education with the curriculum constitutes one of the most significant directions in reforming early childhood and primary education. The purpose of this study is to examine how STEAM concepts and practices are integrated into curriculum documents and the teaching process at these educational levels, with particular focus on the challenges accompanying the successful implementation of STEAM education. Through the analysis of contemporary literature and existing practices, this paper aims to provide a clear overview of the opportunities and obstacles influencing the effective integration of STEAM into teaching, as well as to offer practical recommendations for improving the quality of teaching at these educational stages. The main research questions are: 1. “How is STEAM education integrated and interconnected with the curriculum in early childhood and primary education?”; 2. “What are the main challenges that hinder the effective implementation of STEAM education at these educational levels?” To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods methodology was employed. In the quantitative part, questionnaires were administered to 100 educators and teachers of grades 1-5, while qualitative data were collected through interviews with 10 leaders of preschool institutions and primary schools in the municipality of Prishtina. The results indicate that, although there is a conceptual interconnection between STEAM education and the curriculum in early childhood and primary education, practical implementation faces numerous challenges, such as lack of resources, the need for specialized teacher training, and the adaptation of methodologies to the developmental characteristics of young learners. Nevertheless, the integration of STEAM is seen as an important opportunity to improve the quality of the teaching process and to develop key competencies in children. Keywords - Early Childhood And Primary Education, STEAM Education, Curriculum, Challenges.