Integrating Stem Education with Digital Storytelling in Primary Education: A Systematic Review Across Four Mediterranean Countries

Authors

  • H. Sezgi Sarac Department of English Language and Literature, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
  • Funda Ölmez-Çağlar Department of English Language Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
  • Oğuzhan Atabek Akdeniz University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2695-1598
  • Adilia Charmier Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Cristina Guerra Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Candida Rocha Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Lisboa, Portugal
  • Nicola Barbuti Department of Research and Innovation for Humanities DIRIUM, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
  • Mauro De Bari Department of Research and Innovation for Humanities DIRIUM, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
  • Noemí Rando AIJU Technological Institute, Alicante, Spain
  • Raúl Esteban AIJU Technological Institute, Alicante, Spain
  • Özge Bakay Provincial Directorate of National Education, Antalya, Türkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.2532-8816/23809

Keywords:

Cross-Cultural Research, Digital Storytelling, Educational Technology, Primary Education, STEM Education

Abstract

This systematic review examines the integration of STEM education with digital storytelling for learners aged 6-12 years across Türkiye, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. The review analyses 38 peer-reviewed studies published between 2017 and 2023, exploring methodological approaches, sample characteristics, thematic focuses, integration strategies, and key findings. Data were collected from international databases (EBSCO, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science) and national repositories, and studies were selected based on rigorous inclusion criteria emphasising STEM-digital storytelling integration, detailed methodology, and contextual information. The analysis reveals diverse methodological approaches: Turkish studies predominantly employ mixed-methods quasi-experimental designs; Portuguese research emphasises teacher professional development and pandemic-related adaptations; Italian studies focus on qualitative case studies examining creativity and emotional expression; and Spanish research uses varied designs to address social-emotional skills and educational inclusion. Findings demonstrate that integrating digital storytelling into STEM education consistently enhances academic achievement, student engagement, and motivation across all contexts. The approach effectively develops 21st-century competencies, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, while addressing student misconceptions and facilitating deeper conceptual understanding. Digital storytelling emerges as both a pedagogical tool and epistemological framework that bridges abstract STEM concepts with meaningful, contextually relevant learning experiences. However, implementation challenges persist, particularly regarding time requirements, teacher preparation, and technological infrastructure. The review demonstrates digital storytelling's capacity to address both cognitive and affective learning dimensions while supporting student well-being. Future research requires longitudinal studies, the development of theoretical frameworks, and comprehensive teacher-training models to fully realise the transformative potential of this integrated approach in primary education.

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2026-06-22

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Sarac, H. S., Ölmez-Çağlar, F., Atabek, O., Charmier, A., Guerra, C., Rocha, C., … Bakay, Özge. (2026). Integrating Stem Education with Digital Storytelling in Primary Education: A Systematic Review Across Four Mediterranean Countries. Umanistica Digitale, 10(24), 15–45. https://doi.org/10.60923/issn.2532-8816/23809

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Articles