What is Nudge Theory?
Developed by behavioural economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, nudge theory focuses on subtly influencing people's choices to steer them in a desired direction without restricting their freedom. By making small environmental or procedural changes, we can guide decisions in ways that benefit individuals and society.
For example, positioning healthier food at eye level in a cafeteria "nudges" people towards making better dietary choices. The key is that nudges are unobtrusive yet effective, leveraging human psychology to achieve positive outcomes. To learn more, see Thaler and Sunstein's book Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness here.
Why Nudge Theory in STEM Education?
STEM subjects often face two primary barriers:
- Perceived Difficulty: Many students assume STEM is "too hard" or "not for them".
- Lack of Immediate Relevance: Students may not see the real-world applications of STEM skills.
Nudge theory addresses these barriers by creating environments where STEM becomes approachable, engaging, and relevant—without forcing participation.
Practical Applications of Nudge Theory in STEM Education
- Showcasing Role Models
Nudge: Place posters or videos of diverse STEM role models in classrooms and common areas.
Impact: When students see relatable people succeeding in STEM, it challenges stereotypes and encourages them to envision themselves in similar roles. The CSIRO’s STEM Professionals in Schools program is an excellent resource for connecting schools with role models. - Gamifying Challenges
Nudge: Use gamified platforms where students earn rewards or badges for solving STEM problems.
Impact: Gamification taps into intrinsic motivation, making STEM feel less like "work" and more like play. Explore platforms like Code.org or the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge. - Making STEM Tangible
Nudge: Integrate hands-on projects, such as building simple robots or coding games, into lessons.
Impact: Hands-on activities make STEM skills feel accessible and immediately rewarding, nudging students to explore further. Organisations like Bugbox offer resources to help teachers implement hands-on STEM activities. - Visualising Future Careers
Nudge: Showcase STEM career pathways—such as becoming an engineer or game designer—on digital platforms students frequently use.
Impact: Students are nudged to think long-term about the benefits of STEM in achieving their aspirations. Resources like myfuture can help students explore career options. - Normalising STEM Participation
Nudge: Celebrate small STEM-related achievements in school assemblies or newsletters.
Impact: Public recognition reinforces the idea that STEM success is normal and achievable for everyone. Check out STEM Education Victoria for inspiration on highlighting student achievements. - Default Choices in Course Selection
Nudge: Make STEM subjects the default option in elective choices, with an opt-out rather than opt-in policy.
Impact: Students are more likely to stay enrolled in STEM courses, overcoming the initial hesitation to choose them. - Bringing STEM Into Everyday Spaces
Nudge: Use posters, quizzes, or interactive kiosks in libraries or cafeterias to highlight fun STEM facts or mini-challenges.
Impact: These casual, low-pressure nudges can spark curiosity in STEM topics during students' downtime. - Social Proof and Group Dynamics
Nudge: Create opportunities for group projects in STEM, especially in mixed-ability teams.
Impact: Social proof—seeing peers engage and succeed in STEM—reduces the intimidation factor and encourages participation.
Bugbox Robotics and Nudge Theory
At Bugbox, we integrate nudge theory into our STEM programs. For example, by gamifying lessons like building a solar panel cleaning robot or simulating a Moon mission, we nudge students towards solving real-world challenges. Each activity is designed to highlight how STEM can be fun, impactful, and attainable, gently shifting perceptions while fostering genuine engagement.
The Ripple Effect of Small Nudges
When applied thoughtfully, nudges can make STEM more inclusive and inspiring for students. These small, strategic shifts in how STEM is presented could pave the way for more students to embrace these fields, closing workforce gaps and equipping young people with critical skills for the future.
By leveraging the power of nudge theory, educators, parents, and organisations can ensure that STEM education doesn't just teach students—it transforms them.
How will you start nudging your students towards a brighter STEM future?
Would you like help implementing some of these strategies in your STEM programs? Let’s start the conversation!
