Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Re-Imagining Science Education: Engaging Students in Science for Australia's Future

2007; Volume: 53; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

1449-6313

Russell Tytler,

Science Education and Pedagogy

This report focuses on the current crisis in science education in Australia. It focuses on the teaching of science in schools, in particular primary schools, and advances the need for change to ensure children are encouraged to develop not only science literacy skills for life but also to pursue careers in the science and technology sectors. Failure to inspire children at a young age is impacting on Australia’s ‘science crisis’ and having long term effects, including a shortage of skilled science professionals in the workplace. It is contended that a ‘re-imaging’ is needed, not just changes to curriculum and assessment, to improve science education. The ‘re-imaging’ needs to include teacher education, for practising teachers, who need support for taking on new ways of teaching, and for trainee teachers. The report looks at societal changes and their impact on science education. Student participation in post-compulsory science education is considered, as is the demand for teachers of science.