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Teachers warn science education must change to meet challenges of the future .
By Wade Zaglas
Only 31 per cent of teachers surveyed for Oxford University Press ’ ( OUP ) The Evolution of Science Education Report believe science education in their countries is preparing children for the challenges of the future .
In contrast , fewer than half ( 46 per cent ) of survey participants think their country ’ s respective science curriculum provides a solid foundation to equip students with the science skills they will need to solve complex problems .
While this report points to the purpose , approaches and content of science education in the future , 66 per cent of respondents believe “ the science curriculum currently taught in our schools enables young people to become scientifically literate and active citizens ”.
But that high percentage is for the world of today .
The OUP report surveyed close to 400 science teachers from 22 countries and regions , with most respondents from the UK ( 44 per cent ) and India ( 19 per cent ). The report notes there are “ local nuances , there are also notable consistencies in key areas such as the science curriculum ’ s relevance in the future and how well it prepares pupils to navigate and address challenges the world will face , such as climate change and the evolving role of technology ”.
Importantly , this research undertaken by OUP comes at a time when the company – a department of the University of Oxford – is involved in developing the science framework for the Programme for International Assessment ( PISA ) 2025 .
KEY INSIGHTS In addition to making quantitative judgments about the suitability of science education for today and the future , the study listened to teachers ’ recommendations about how science education “ might evolve in order to remain relevant to today ’ s world , and that of tomorrow ”.
Some of their key recommendations included :
• Science education should continue to prioritise practical skills through experimentation in the classroom .
• Content needs to be up to date and prepare learners for the future .
• There is a need for a greater connection between the science that is being taught in the classroom and what is happening in the world outside .
• Teachers requested a rebalancing of exams – away from the current focus on knowledge , towards assessing the application of science . The report also highlighted a diverse set of skills and knowledge students would need to combat the challenges of the future , which included some unconventional acknowledgement of soft skills :
• Teachers described how these higher order cognitive skills need to be supported with solid foundations in science , specifically the ability to conduct robust experimentation using the scientific method , supported by good scientific literacy , the ability to process and understand data , and a good understanding of maths .
• A range of interpersonal skills were also mentioned , including communication and collaboration skills , creativity , personal drive / initiative , resilience , and the ability to persevere .
• The inclusion of interpersonal skills and creativity alongside a solid foundation in science and higher cognitive skills reflects a recognition of the need to be able to communicate scientific findings and relate them to the wider population ; an issue that has been played out throughout the COVID pandemic . While the pandemic has significantly impacted the teaching of science in the last year ( restricting practical experimentation in the classroom , for instance ), the paper shines a light on many other issues that have been precipitated by the pandemic and need to be quickly resolved .
“ Teachers surveyed believe the core purpose of science education should be inspiring learners to engage with science , teaching underpinning scientific concepts , teaching skills to enable effective experimentation , and helping learners to achieve a range of desirable outcomes through science ,” OUP said .
“ To ensure science education evolves and remains relevant in the future , teachers believe there should be more focus on climate change as well as tackling fake news , and adapting faster to technological and societal change .” ■
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