Philosophy and the curriculum

This paper is reprinted from Israel Scheffler's Reason and Teaching (Bobbs-Merrill, 1973). It is the first of a number of classic paper which Science & Education will reprint in forthcoming volumes. These are being reprinted because their arguments still warrant attention and they are increasingly inaccessible to a good number of subscribers.     

Language science in the tertiary curriculum

The goal of linguistics has been in dispute since its origin as a scientific discipline. The situation remains confused and consequently the curricular position of linguistics is ambiguous. An examination of the historical reasons for this indicates the following conclusions: At the time when language was first proposed as a subject for scientific study the natural sciences were still dominated by the mechanical model of Newtonian physics; this attitude of mind has inhibited the development of linguistics.Further development ought logically to depend on the harmonisation of linguistics with modern scientific concepts, such as relativity, probability, system and field. Such a move would constitute in part a new goal for linguistics. If such an innovation is admitted, those areas where language study overlaps with other subjects, e.g. psychology, logic and anthropology, provide natural exit points for a study of language and the epistemology of science.Linguistics is therefore capable of serving as a foundational discipline in a liberal arts curriculum. Its particular claim to assume this role lies in the fact that language is the object of both humanistic and scientific study. Hence to give linguistics a more central role in the tertiary curriculum offers a fundamental educational benefit in narrowing the cultural gap between the arts and science, and it is worth considering a change of emphasis in the curriculum to achieve this end.The aim of this paper is not to suggest detailed changes but to stimulate discussion of this consideration.     

Aboriginal studies and the science curriculum: Affective outcomes from a curriculum intervention

The study of Aboriginal culture in schools is supported by an increasing number of educators and government committees. However, in the absence of substantial research evidence, it has been difficult to propose justifiable curricular recommendations. The results of this exploratory study suggest that student attitudes towards Aborigines and Aboriginal culture can be improved by a science program which features an Aboriginal Studies component. Further, it is suggested that there is scope for the development of up-to-date curriculum materials and more comprehensive studies. Specializations: science education, teaching thinking. Specializations: science education, curriculum theory and design, teacher development.     

Developing networks of grass-roots science curriculum action

This paper describes an ongoing process of participatory curriculum development. It outlines some of the tensions which need to be explored in science curriculum development: debates about the nature of science, of society, of school science content and of learning theories. The process whereby action can arise from this debate is also explored. An example will be outlined of a network of science curriculum action which has developed from the work of a range of science education projects in Natal, South Africa. Specializations: science curriculum development from primary to tertiary level. Specializations: inservice primary science teacher development. Specializations: inservice teacher development, biology education. Specializations: environmental education, teacher development. Specializations: environmental education, teacher development.     

计算机系学科课程改革调查和统计分析

通过问卷调查收集计算机系本科毕业生对现行课程教学及实践的数据和相关建议,通过实证分析和统计软件SPSS的计算,对计算机系人才培养过程中的课程改革问题提出有建设性的几点建议和思考．     

影响我国科学课程有效教学的基本问题及其根源追溯

本文基于五年来对我国科学课堂教学实践的访谈调查与观察结果,提出了当前我国科学教学现实中影响科学课程有效教学的六个基本问题;探讨了科学课程的三种统整属性,即社会统整、知识统整与人格经验统整;基于科学课程统整属性的视角,分别追溯了当前我国科学教学现实中这些基本问题产生的根源.研究发现:影响当前科学课程有效教学的六个基本问题,在根源上无一不是背离科学课程统整属性的结果.得到的研究启示是:科学课程有效教学策略研究必须针对科学教学实践中存在的现实问题展开研究;同时,基于科学课程统整属性视野探究科学课程有效教学策略,是科学课程有效教学研究的重要方法.     

Indigenous knowledge in the science curriculum: avoiding neo-colonialism

Science education in Papua New Guinea has been influenced by neo-colonial practices that have significantly contributed to the silencing of the Papua New Guinea voice. This silencing has led to the production of science curriculum documents that are irrelevant to the students for whom they are written. To avoid being caught up in neo-colonial practices, Western science educators ought to consider the notion of cultural mediators. This position, I argue, infers an obligation to take responsibility for their actions and to consider postcolonial discourses as a way of understanding the relationships and dialogue between different ways of knowing.     

The science curriculum and education for democracy in the risk society

How can the science curriculum make a contribution to education for democracy in 'the risk society'? The characteristics of a 'risk society' are identified and the problematic role of scientific knowledge in such a society briefly reviewed. Kuhn's notion of science as a community of practice is suggested as the most appropriate model if the aim is to teach a view of science which is compatible with the provisional, 'risky' and collaborative nature of all knowledge in the contemporary context. Those features of the model which are particularly relevant to life in present-day society are clarified and the educational implications of this particular model are discussed under three headings: science as a way of knowing; science as cultural communication; and science as an expression of interests.     

材料科学基础B精品课程建设中的一些思索

课程建设是实现人才培养目标的基本途径。通过阐述精品课程建设,提出了“材料科学基础B”精品课程建设中存在以及应注意的问题,并提出了在精品课程建设中应采取的措施。     

论我国综合科学课程内容组织的发展特征

综合科学课程与分科形式的科学课程相比,最大的特点就在于其课程内容的组织。本文主要从课程内容组织的视角,分析80年代之后我国综合科学课程内容组织的发展变化,具体从课程内容组织的宏观、中观和微观层次对我国综合科学课程综合范围、综合的基础、综合方式、综合程度等方面的特点进行探讨。     

Forces which shape the implemented curriculum in high school science and mathematics

A synthesis of five studies of high school science and mathematics classes indicated that the ability of teachers to manage student behavior effectively was a major driving force on the implemented curriculum. Other factors which influenced what happened in classrooms were tests and examinations, and textbooks. Most teachers endeavored to cover the curriculum in the planned time whether or not learning occurred and the cognitive demands of the work were low. During whole-class activities a few target students dominated interactions with the teacher. These higher ability students, who usually were males, asked most questions, answered most teacher questions, and received most feedback from the teacher. The results suggest that teachers' knowledge and beliefs are the potent forces which influence academic work in science and mathematics classes.     

试论文化教育学视角下的新课程三维目标

文化教育学以培养知、情、意融为一体的人为目的、以人文科学为主要陶冶财,采用体验、表达、理解的方法对儿童进行陶冶,唤醒,促进个体人格的生成。在此视角下,新课程以培养知情意融为一体的人为最终目的,在实践中注意教育的效率与价值的平衡。并关注体验的价值。