Institute Overview
The Institute for Science and Technology Education at East China Normal University (ECNU) is an interdisciplinary academic community comprising researchers from fields such as science education, educational technology, the learning sciences, and comparative education. Its primary research areas include STEM+ Chinese language education, the research and development of instructional design for science and technology-related disciplines, the study of science teacher learning and professional development, research on teaching and learning within scientific disciplines, and the study of learning and curriculum in informal educational settings.
The faculty team for this professional degree program comprises professors and experts from the Institute for Science and Technology Education and other departments across the university, as well as specialists from the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology. Internationally renowned experts in science education are regularly invited to contribute to the teaching. The core faculty includes five professors and three associate professors. The curriculum focuses on the fundamental theories and methods of science and technology education and communication, supplemented by academic lectures on topics such as museology, scientific literacy, engineering thinking, and STEM education—all designed to foster the academic interests and professional competence of graduate students. Furthermore, in collaboration with technology enterprises, science and technology venues, and schools, the program offers a practicum course each semester. This initiative employs a co-mentorship model, involving both university-based and external mentors, to effectively enhance students' practical skills.
The Institute is committed to building and developing a China-based research team in the field of science and technology education. It strives to integrate cutting-edge ideas and technologies into instructional design and educational technology development, explores innovative approaches to teacher development that serve emerging and future industries, and promotes dialogue and collaboration among researchers, educators, and professionals in the science and technology sector. We look forward to working with you in future.
Program Overview
Title of Major: STEM Education
Language: All-English
Study Period: 2 years
Location: Putuo Campus, Shanghai
Objectives:
This program offers Master of Education degree in Science Education for international students with English as the instructional language. It aims to cultivate the following types of talent:
(1) Researchers and promoters in STEM education who possess a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills;
(2) Practitioners in STEM education who have mastered methods for curriculum design and pedagogical innovation;
(3) Professionals capable of integrating artificial intelligence into instructional design and learning analytics;
(4) Specialists equipped to foster STEM learning and science communication within both formal and informal learning environments.
Degree Requirements:
(1) Language Requirements
Apart from proficiency in academic English, upon graduation, international students are expected to pass at least HSK 3.
(2) Credit Requirements
Students must complete the required number of credits before the review of their academic training progress. The curriculum includes modules such as public degree courses, foundational degree courses, specialized degree courses (both compulsory and elective), and interdisciplinary courses. Specific credit requirements are stipulated in the individual program’s training scheme.
Curriculum Structure (course modules)
(1) Public Degree Courses (6 credits)
These include courses on Chinese culture and academic standards, designed to help international students understand the context of China’s education system and social development.
(2) Foundational Degree Courses (8 credits)
These cover subjects such as the principles of education, the learning sciences, and research methods, providing a solid theoretical foundation for the program.
(3) Compulsory Specialized Courses (8 credits)
Centered on core areas of STEM education, these courses cover topics such as science education theory, curriculum design, and science communication.
(4) Elective Specialized Courses (8 credits)
Focusing on the integration of technology and international frontier developments, these courses include subjects such as artificial intelligence in education, pedagogy in science venues (e.g., museums and science centers), and international STEM education.
(5) Professional Practicum Courses (8 credits)
These include seminars, observational studies, and practicum. Through partnerships with international schools, bilingual schools, and science-related venues, students strengthen their science teaching capabilities both within and beyond the classroom.
(3) M. Ed thesis Requirements
A thesis should focus on significant issues within the field of STEM education, with a topic that holds theoretical significance or practical value. The thesis must demonstrate the author’s solid theoretical foundation, rigorous research methodology, and a certain degree of innovation.
Professor Shen, Wei
Main areas of research: International organizations and global education governance; the global flow and comparison of educational policies; international comparisons of teacher professional development.
Email: wshen@dem.ecnu.edu.cn
Professor Xu, Xianlong
Main areas of research: Technology-enhanced design and assessment for learning complex skills, theories, technologies, and methods for the digital transformation of education, design and assessment for competency-oriented interdisciplinary learning
Email: xlxu@eec.ecnu.edu.cn
Professor Li, Baomin
Main areas of research: Intelligent education, development of student competencies, professional development for teachers, research on classroom instruction, school-based professional development, interdisciplinary thematic learning, and guidance for integrated practical activity curricula.
Email: lbmlinda@126.com
Professor Zhao, Jian
Main areas of research: Learning sciences, international curricula and international education policy, transforming learning in technology-enhanced environments,
curriculum and instructional design.
Professor Zheng, Tainian
Main areas of research: Learning sciences, international and comparative education, science education/technology education, curriculum development and instructional design, classroom video analysis, top-notch innovative talent training/gifted education, general high school education
Email: tnzheng@iice.ecnu.edu.cn
Associate Professor Wang, Mei
Main areas of research: Learning sciences and technology design, science and technology education, situational education.
Email: mwang@dec.ecnu.edu.cn
Associate Professor Sun, Yanyan
Main areas of research: Instructional design supported by information technology, STEM education, smart education, online interactive environments.
Email: yysun@eec.ecnu.edu.cn
Associate Professor Fu, Guopeng
Main areas of research: Science education, teacher education, science teacher and student agency.
Email: gpfu@cte.ecnu.edu.cn
