1st Edition

Issues in Science Teaching

Edited By John Sears, Pete Sorenson Copyright 2001
    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    256 Pages
    by Routledge

    Issues in Science Teaching covers a wide range of important issues which will interest teachers at all phases in the education system. The issues discussed include:

    • the nature and purposes of science education in a multicultural society, including the idea of science for all
    • the role and purposes of investigational work in science education
    • assessment, curriculum progression and pupil attitudes to their science experience
    • supporting basic skills development in literacy, numeracy and ICT, through science teaching
    • supporting cross-curricular work through science teaching
    • taking account of individual differences including ability, special needs, learning style and the case for inclusion

    The articles are strongly based on current research and are intended to stimulate and broaden debate among the readers. Written by practising science educators and teachers, this book offers new and interesting ways of developing science education at all levels.

    Part I The Nature of Science Education 1. The Science Curriculum - What is it For? 2. Teaching Science in a Multicultural, Multi-faith Society 3. The Irresestible Rise of the Nature of Science 4. Primary Science: a Second-class Core Subject? 5. Balanced Science: a Battle Still to be Won? 6. Lifelong Learning in Science: Dream or Reality? Part II Investigating Science 7. Understanding Evidence in Investigations: the Way to a More Relevant Curriculum? 8. SC1: Beyond the Fair Test Part III Cross-Curricular Links 9. Numeracy in Science 11. "Health Education is Unavoidable" Part IV Assessment and Continuity 12. Use of Cognitive Ability Testing to Set Targets 13. Drowning in Numbers? 14. Between the Idea and Reality Falls the Shadow: Provision for Primary-secondary Science Curricular Continuity 15. Children's Attitudes to Science: Beyond Men in White Coats Part V Looking at Differences 16. Non-judgemental Differentiation: Teachers and Learning Styles for the Future 17. Are Gender Differences Avoidable? 18. Ability Grouping: What is the Evidence? 19. A Challenging Curriculum for the More Able Pupil 20. Science for All: the Challenge of Inclusion Part VI The Co-ordinating Influence of ICT 21. Information and Communications Technology in Science Education: a Long Gestation

    Biography

    Edited by Sears, John; Sorenson, Pete

    'The range of issues covered make this book very suitable for science teachers at any stage of their career and in any phase. Teachers responsible for science teaching in their institution should buy a copy, and make sure that it is available for all science colleagues. Better still, use one of the chapters, and the discussion questions at the end of it, as the basis for a staff meeting.' - Patrick Fullick, Times Educational Supplement