Science Fails to Excite Students

The Australian, Milanda Rout, 16 July 2007

 

Both the International Council of Associations for Science Education and the Australian Science Teachers’ Association argue that students should be taught the relevance that science has in their lives in order to rouse students’ interest
in the sciences.

Their study into the ‘crisis in science’ calls for changes to the way that science is taught in school. Together they have
put forward the five key reasons they believe has caused the recent decline in school science.

Among their key points are the lack of resources, a dependency on out-of-date teaching methods, and a shortage of science teachers, who require extra funding for professional development.

Both associations claim that a more hands-on approach to science is needed in the classroom, as well as informing students in primary school of science-based career options. They also recommend an interactive-based teaching and learning approach.

Furthermore, the Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP, has launched
the Scientists in Schools initiative, which will be trialled during 2007. The initiative will see scientists working with
schools. The Scientists in Schools initiative will:

• promote science education in primary and secondary schools
• help to engage and motivate students in their learning of science
• establish sustained and ongoing relationships between school communities and scientists, and
• provide teachers with the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of current scientific practices

During the pilot phase, a minimum of 500 scientists will be placed across participating schools.

For further information, visit the Scientists in Schools website

 

 

 

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