A CASE STUDY ON PROBLEM-BASED STEM TEACHING IN NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY EDUCATION FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AT NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY TRAINING CENTERS

Abstract

In the context of an increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and global political-security situation, the cause of national defense faces both opportunities and challenges. Therefore, the education and training of national defense and security must be innovated to enhance its quality. One effective approach is to integrate STEM-based teaching (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with problem-based learning, where lessons are designed around specific themes. This method helps learners apply and acquire knowledge in an integrated manner, aiming to improve teaching quality, increase practical relevance, and develop students' problem-solving skills and interdisciplinary application abilities. The research methodology of this study combines theoretical research with practical experience synthesis. The study was conducted at the National Defense and Security Training Center of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, one of the leading institutions in the country in terms of both the scale and quality of national defense and security education.The research results propose a structured approach to implementing STEM-based problem-based learning in the teaching of national defense and security, with recommendations for deployment at National Defense and Security Training Centers.