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Humanistic school science: Research, policy, politics and classrooms.

Authors :
Aikenhead, Glen S.
Source :
Science Education; Mar2023, Vol. 107 Issue 2, p237-260, 24p, 2 Diagrams, 2 Charts
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

This article establishes a rational, feasible, and necessary conclusion to reform high school science content into an equitable experience for its wide diversity of students' self‐identities. Research indicates that 85% of graduates would not normally have enrolled in any science course unless required. Their values are more aligned with their everyday world and/or the world of the humanities, to varying degrees. The 15% had already fulfilled their science prerequisite for postsecondary science‐related programs, to varying degrees. The article's conclusion rests mainly on historical and economic evidence, respectively: (1) The Sputnik crisis that instilled public fear and anxiety about the perceived technological gap between the United States and Soviet Union. This led to reforming high school science and implementing National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2) The on‐growing climate‐change crisis for which the smart international money is increasingly investing in sustainable businesses and industries, which catalyze a shift in public values from the current "profit society" to a "sustainable society." The article's rationale connects the two historical events. Over the past 30 years, the nature of normal science has evolved into post‐normal science. Today the public square also includes: (a) an international assessment project that receives a negative validity audit in this article; (b) a vocal small minority within the 85%, proud of their antiscience self‐identities and their leaders' hostile behavior (a problem to ameliorate by a reformed sustainable science education); and (c) instances of small‐scale, suitable reform examples developed over the last 70 years, often referred to as humanistic school science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00368326
Volume :
107
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Science Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
161658147
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21774