Syllabus Design Grounded in the Scientific Method in Foundation Year STEM for Authenticity and Engagement

Abstract

Students engage best with materials directly relevant to their disciplines and clearly supporting undergraduate study preparation. Authenticity in EAP enhances student engagement and disciplinary literacy for STEM foundation students. Learning is enhanced when EAP teaching aligns with actual disciplinary texts, genres and practices. This study proposes a syllabus framework centred on the scientific method, involving systematic observation, hypothesis formation, testing, and analysis. Using this framework, students explore how their disciplines apply the scientific method as a common thread. The framework treats each discipline as a distinct culture of practice and integrates accessible popular science content. It examines pseudoscientific myths, enhancing critical analysis while connecting science literacy to everyday life.