This Reader brings together a wide range of material to present an international perspective on topical issues in science education today. In order to identify what themes should be addressed in the book, thirty-eight science educators from around the world responded to the question: 'What issues are currently important in science education in your country?' The outcome is this lively and authoritative Reader, which features topics as varied as:
- globalisation
- assessment
- pupil's views on science education
- environmental education
- teaching approaches
- teacher development
- multimedia and ICT
- constructivism.
With a specially written introduction from the editor, providing a much-needed context to the current education climate, students of science education will find this Reader an important route map to further reading and understanding.
Introduction: Science Education: Global or National
Part 1: Some Pressure Being Exerted on Science Education 1. Globalization and Education: An Introduction 2. Science Education and Economic Development: Trends, Relationships and Research Agenda
3. Science Literacy
Part 2: Maintaining a Continuity of Achievement in Science Education 4. Conceptual Change: A Powerful Framework for Improving Science Teaching and Learning 5. Teacher Talk and Meaning Making in Science Classrooms: A Vygotskian Analysis and Review 6. The Place of Argumentation in the Pedagogy of School Science 7. Interactive Media and Model-based Learning in Biology 8. Constructivism Examined
Part 3: Trends in Science Education at National Level 9. Science Communication with the Public: A Cross-cultural Event 10. The Interalóž