A group of international experts defines ten principles of science education as follows:
- Schools should make it a priority to develop learners’ curiosity about the world, passion for science and understanding how natural phenomena can be explained.
- The main goal of science education is to enable individuals to make informed decision and take actions that affect their own wellbeing and the betterment of society and the environment.
- Other goals are understand important concepts in science and it role in society, develop the ability to gather and use evidence and scientific attitudes.
- Science education should follow a clear progression toward its goals, identifying key concepts to be achieved at different stages. This should be informed by a careful analysis of concepts and current research on effective learning strategies.
- The progression toward fundamental concepts should result from study of topics of interest to learners and relevance of their lives.
- Learning experiences should reflect a view of scientific knowledge that is clear and aligned with current scientific and educational thinking.
- All activities of science curriculum should enhance understanding of scientific ideas and aim to develop attitudes and skills.
- Student learning programs and teacher training should align with the teaching and learning methods needed to achieve the goals outlined in principle 3.
- Assessment plays a crucial role in science education. The assessment of ongoing progress of students’ learning and final evaluation of their progress must apply to all goals.
- To achieve all these goals, school science program should encourage collaboration among teachers and involve the community, including scientist.
Reference:
Harlen W. (2010). Principles and big ideas of science education. Association for Science Education, 60 pages.