STEM research aims to investigate how students learn STEM subjects, identify factors that influence their learning, and develop effective teaching strategies to improve their understanding.

Action research is a type of research that is conducted in a real-world setting, with the goal of improving practice. It is not typically used in STEM education research, which tends to focus on more controlled and systematic methods.

Using evidence-based practices in STEM education is important because it ensures that students are learning the most up-to-date content, helps teachers to identify students who are struggling, and improves student engagement and motivation.

Assessment of student learning is not a component of a well-designed STEM lesson. Instead, it is a separate step that occurs after the lesson has been taught, in order to evaluate how well students have learned the material.

Technology can be used in STEM education to deliver instruction, collect data on student learning, and provide students with opportunities to collaborate.

Project-based learning is a type of learning that allows students to learn by doing. It is not designed to help students to memorize facts.

Inquiry-based learning is a type of learning that allows students to learn by asking questions and conducting investigations. It helps students to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.

Lack of student interest is not a challenge associated with implementing STEM education reforms. In fact, STEM education is often seen as a way to increase student interest in STEM subjects.

Assessment in STEM education serves multiple purposes, including measuring student learning, providing feedback to students, and identifying students who are struggling.

Portfolio assessment is not a type of assessment that is typically used in STEM education. Instead, formative assessment, summative assessment, and performance assessment are more common types of assessment in STEM education.

Collaboration in STEM education helps students to develop communication skills, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills.

Manipulatives are physical objects that can be used to represent abstract concepts. They are not designed to help students to memorize facts.

Using real-world examples in STEM education helps students to connect their learning to the real world, develop problem-solving skills, and develop critical thinking skills.

Decreasing the number of STEM students is not a common STEM education reform initiative. Instead, STEM education reform initiatives typically focus on increasing the number of STEM teachers, improving the quality of STEM teaching, and increasing the number of STEM graduates.

The future of STEM education is likely to include a combination of all of the above: STEM education will become more integrated with other subjects, more personalized, and more technology-driven.