Values in Science Education

In 2007, the Monash-Kings College London International Centre for the Study of Science and Mathematics Curriculum edited a book called The Re-emergence of Values in Science Education. This book reflects on how values have been considered since this original publication, particularly in terms of socio-cultural, economic and political factors that have impacted broadly on science, technology and society, and more specifically on informal and formal science curricula. Hence, the title of this book has been framed as Values in Science Education: The shifting sands. As in the first book, this collection focuses on values that are centrally associated with science and its teaching, and not the more general notion of values such as cooperation or teamwork that are also important values in current curricula. Such values have indeed become more of a focus in science education. This may be a response to the changing global context, where technological changes have been rapid and accelerating. In such complex and risky environments, it is our guiding principles that become the important mainstays of our decisions and practices. In terms of science education, what is becoming clearer is that traditional content and traditional science and scientific methods are not enough for science and hence science education to meet such challenges. While shifts in values in science education continue, tensions remain in curriculum development and implementation, as evidenced by the continued diversity of views about what and whose values matter most.

Auteur
Deborah Corrigan is a Professor of Science Education and Director of Education Futures at Monash University. After working as a chemistry and biology teacher, she has worked at Monash University in chemistry and science education, particularly in teacher preparation. Her research interests include industry and technology links with science, curriculum design, science and STEM education policy and the values that underpin science education. However, her main research interest remains improving the quality of chemistry and science education so that it is relevant to students. Cathy Buntting is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Waikato. She has a background in biochemistry and science education research and is director of the New Zealand Science Learning Hub, a large online portal linking the science and education sectors. Recent research projects have focused on students' futures thinking and the use of digital technologies in education.

Angela Fitzgerald is an Associate Professor in Primary Science Education at University of Southern Queensland and has been involved in science education in primary and secondary settings as a teacher and teacher educator for 15 years, many of those at Monash University. Her research focuses mainly on supporting primary pre- and in-service teachers in developing their confidence and competence in science learning and teaching.

Alister Jones is a Research Professor and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato, New Zealand. He is a Strategic Advisor for the New Zealand Science Learning Hub, and Director of a number of education-related companies. He has been consulted on educational development in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, USA, Hong Kong, Chile and Thailand.

Contenu

Preface

About the Authors

Chapter 1 The Shifting Sands of Values in Science Education

Deborah Corrigan, Cathy Buntting, Alister Jones and Angela Fitzgerald

Section 1: Values in Science

Chapter 2 Communicating Certainty and Uncertainty in Science in Out-of-School Contexts

Leonie Rennie

Chapter 3 Teachers' Perceptions of the Values that Underpin Science as a Way of Thinking and Acting

Kathy Smith and Deborah Corrigan

Chapter 4 Exploring Values of Science through Classroom Practice

Rebecca Cooper and John Loughran

Section 2: Values for Science Education

Chapter 5 Science as Just Opinion the Significance for Science Education of Emerging Social Media

Karen Marangio and Richard Gunstone

Chapter 6 Changing Values in Science Education and the Emergence of Science Gallery

Joseph Roche and Colette Murphy

Chapter 7 Using Biotechnology to Develop Values Discourse in School Science

Cathy Buntting and Alister Jones

Section 3: Values of Science Education Practice

Chapter 8 What do Science Teachers Value? How can Values Change During Professional Learning?

Shirley Simon and John Connolly

Chapter 9 Exploring the Professional Learning Values Inherent in Japan's Lesson Study

Tetsuo Isozaki

Chapter 10 Changing Context, Shifting Values? Science, the Environment and Citizenship at Minstead Study Centre 12 Years on

Justin Dillon and Alan Reid

Section 4: Values of Science Education Systems

Chapter 11 Intended, Achieved and Unachieved Values of Science Education

Gillian Kidman and Peter Fensham

Chapter 12 The Place of Values in the Aims of School Science Education

Jennifer Mansfield and Michael Reiss

Chapter 13 Exploring Values Through Lived Experiences of the World Heritage Site of Petra: A Case Study

Angela Fitzgerald and Diana Abouali