Okay, so I thought I might fill you all in a bit on the education philosophy of science educators. Well, at least the ones I've met in this class....
In general, we'd like our students to see "the big picture." The big picture should illustrate that science is a basic human endeavor that has left a trail of historical change. Science is full of names, faces, and interesting stories that have affected the growth of civilization. The social and economic ramifications of science are ever present; no life has gone unaffected.
The big picture should also include an understanding of the insights and thought processes that unite scientists in every discipline. All scientists are involved in an organized pursuit of answers to questions about our world. A biologist's questions explore the world from a different angle than a physicist. The differences between biology and physics should be made clear. However, students must absorb that all scientists are compelled by a curiosity and desire to comprehend and appreciate their world. This curiosity is present in us all and can "catch fire" with the proper inspiration.
The highest goal for science educators should not be to create scientists, but to create scientific thought. Most of our students will not become career scientists. However, all of our students can improve their lives by using a logical reasoning process to help them face the myriad of problems and decisions that we call life.
The big picture should also include an understanding of the insights and thought processes that unite scientists in every discipline. All scientists are involved in an organized pursuit of answers to questions about our world. A biologist's questions explore the world from a different angle than a physicist. The differences between biology and physics should be made clear. However, students must absorb that all scientists are compelled by a curiosity and desire to comprehend and appreciate their world. This curiosity is present in us all and can "catch fire" with the proper inspiration.
The highest goal for science educators should not be to create scientists, but to create scientific thought. Most of our students will not become career scientists. However, all of our students can improve their lives by using a logical reasoning process to help them face the myriad of problems and decisions that we call life.
1 comment:
Erin,
In response to using blogs in the classroom, I probably won't. It's not appropriate with the little ones I work with(K-5). I will use them if possible to work with teachers. I think too many issues appear when you let students post comments and it would be very difficult to monitor everything that is said. Also what if they didn't know how to blog before, learn it in school, go home, and create some blog to terrorize their peers. I just see a catastrophe waiting to happen. I love how you said, "The highest goal for science educators should not be to create scientists, but to create scientific thought." So true. That's exactly how I feel about math.
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