**1. Introduction**

In their bid to strengthen the fields of science and mathematics, the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States Department of Education constituted a government policy that will challenge Americans to become leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This happened right after the launch of the Russian satellite, Sputnik, into space which charged the spirit of the Americans. Originally called SMET (science, mathematics, engineering and technology), this acronym was changed and reintroduced as STEM in 2001 with the plan to completely reform and renew the educational sector with focus on STEM fields [1]. Science which is the first of the four fields improves the human understanding of the physical world while developing research, experimentation and collaborative skills [2]. Science is based on observation, experiment, measurement and laws and its values include independence of thought, creativity, tentativeness, subjectivity, testability and cultural and social embeddedness [3]. Second is technology, which is the satisfaction of human needs and wants using knowledge and skills needed to interface between science and the real world. It is an orchestration of phenomena, programmed for a useful purpose. Third is engineering which involves solving real-life problems using scientifically designed products and processes. Lastly is mathematics which is packed with skills needed to interpret and analyse information, simplify and solve problems, assess risk, make informed decisions and further understand the world through modelling both abstract and concrete problems. Mathematics is concerned with the study of number, shape, space, quantity and their interrelation [2, 3]. Field-specific definitions like his are static as definitions of STEM transcends disciplinary lines. These disciplines are taught in isolation, but STEM education involves a cross-disciplinary approach thereby somewhat blurring their boundaries [4]. This implies that these fields are integrated and the knowledge and skills from two or more fields can be applied to real-world problems.

STEM education is defined differently by different people and groups and has become top priority for education, business and governments. According to Breiner et al. [5], the NSF defines STEM fields broadly, including not only the common categories of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, computer and information sciences but also social behavioural sciences such as psychology, economics, sociology and political science. For [1], STEM education is a teaching field based on constructivism and constructionism, while Caparo [6] defines it as a teaching composite of any two or more fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which may occur as a result of duplicity of real-life and problem-based learning. STEM is commonly used to reference a set of educational and occupational fields related to science. It is the purposeful integration of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics discipline in solving real-world situations [7].

These disciplines can be taught and applied either in a traditional and discipline specific manner, or through a multidisciplinary, interconnected and integrative approach [2]. Mitts [8] and Bruce-Davis et al. [9] support the critical analysis of STEM education using two approaches. For them, the first approach is the integrative approach which is a composite of major disciplines integrated into one. The second is the multidisciplinary approach, an approach that integrates knowledge from several disciplines. These approaches use problem-based learning, project-based learning or inquiry-based learning as strategies to produce results. Both approaches are outcome-focused and aim to solve real-world challenges [2]. STEM education and training establishes relationships between the four disciplines with the objective of expanding peoples' abilities by supporting technical and scientific education with a strong emphasis on critical and creative thinking. These are skills vital for existence in today's world which is at the brink of a technological revolution.
