GED4828

Science, technology and society

Not offered in 1999

Professor R F Gunstone

12 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed understanding of the historical evidence and philosophical arguments about the nature of science-technology relationships; be able to place in context the major curriculum moves in this area (Science for All; Science-Technology-Society); developed a conceptual framework for considering how society affects science and technology, as well as how science and technology affect society; developed an understanding of the range of curriculum views relevant to teaching about science, technology and society; written draft instructional materials for use in schools which reflect concerns about science, technology and society.

Synopsis There has been a growing international trend during the past two decades for school science curricula to emphasise the relationships of science to technology and to the wider social setting. More recently, technology educators have sought to broaden the content of technology studies from a narrow concern with vocational skills training. Modern technology studies curricula seek to develop design and problem-solving skills and to emphasise the links between technology and other fields. The subject has two major goals: to develop teachers' understanding of the complex interrelationships among these three areas (science, technology, society), and to enhance their ability to develop curricula and instructional approaches suitable for school science and technology students. The subject will explore the nature of science and technology and their historical development; characteristics of contemporary science and technology; influences of technology and science on modern society, and the reverse influences of modern society on technology and science; the nature of curriculum views underpinning attempts to introduce science-technology-society relationships into schools.

Assessment Three assignments (2000 words each): 33% each

Recommended texts

Black P and Atkin J M (eds) Changing the subject: Innovations in science, mathematics and technology education Routledge, 1996
Duschl R Restructuring science education Teachers College Press, 1990
McGinn R E Science, technology and society Prentice-Hall, 1991
Roberts D and Östman L (eds) Problems of meaning in science curriculum Teachers College Press, 1998

Back to the 1999 Education Handbook