|
Title
|
|
|
|
Can science be dangerous? Reflection about ethically and culturally sensitive topics in the secondary science class
| |
|
Author
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Abstract
|
|
|
|
| Culturally sensitive themes such as the theory of evolution or (homo)sexuality and ethically sensitive topics such as euthanasia or abortion elicit tensions in the science class for both students and teachers alike. These topics can induce resistance among students and even lead to polarization, especially in a context of super diversity where students of many different cultures share a classroom. Although the interaction between natural sciences and society is part of the secondary science curriculum in Flemish schools, science teachers report difficulties to tackle these ethically and culturally sensitive topics related to science. However, not tackling these sensitive issues may lead to alienation of students who may feel less at ease in this science context and may tend to ignore or even repulse the sciences as a whole. There is a need for a method supporting teachers and students when dealing with ethical and culturally sensitive topics in the science class. In this regard, we develop a method aimed at supporting students and teachers based on an Educational Design Research. The first part focuses on teachers. As the teacher's opinions influence his or her didactic approach, a reflection instrument is developed allowing teachers to reflect upon their views on society, education and the nature of science. Through the discussion of exemplary cases this instrument helps teachers reflect upon their own didactic approach with regard to these sensitive topics. The second part aims at stimulating dialogue among students about these sensitive topics. Students are encouraged to reflect about the values under discussion rather than to jump to conclusions. We also formulate didactic design criteria for such open dialogues to support teachers who guide these dialogues. |
| |
|
Language
|
|
|
|
English
| |
|
Source (book)
|
|
|
|
11th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and, Innovation (ICERI), November 12-14, 2018, Seville, Spain
| |
|
Source (series)
|
|
|
|
ICERI proceedings
| |
|
Publication
|
|
|
|
IATED Academy
,
2018
| |
|
ISBN
|
|
|
|
978-84-09-05948-5
| |
|
Volume/pages
|
|
|
|
p. 9682-9685
| |
|
ISI
|
|
|
|
000568991704143
| |
|