Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of STEM and STEAM educational programs in enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among senior secondary school students in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, administered to 250 respondents (200 students and 50 teachers) from 10 secondary schools. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and t-tests. Findings indicated that both teachers and students view STEAM positively. Most students agreed that integrating arts with STEM aligns with modern job market demands, while teachers reported that project-based learning in STEAM increases motivation and real-world application of knowledge. The study concludes that integrating arts into STEM supports the development of students’ creative and critical capacities and recommends stronger curriculum integration, teacher collaboration, funding, and policy support.

Keywords: Arts Integration; creativity; critical thinking; educational engagement; problem-solving; project-based learning; secondary education; STEM; STEAM