Ways to Achieve Scientific Literacy Promising Approaches

 Active learning l cooperative learning l misconceptions / concept change l constructivism l inquiry practices l problem-based learning l case study  Science-Technology-Society  Real-world connections  Integration of prior learning  Interdisciplinary approach

Teacher Skills & Competencies Teacher education programs should develop basic skills and competencies that give the teacher an ability to:  communicate more collaboratively.  use technology.

 relate theory to practical, real world experiences.  relate content across disciplines and to work with teachers of diverse backgrounds.  apply academic and technical knowledge.  work with secondary and post-secondary faculty.

 design instructional assessments.  develop a comprehensive level of knowledge and skill in the use of a variety of teaching methods.  develop life-long learning skills and attitudes.  instill pride in the profession.

Teachers as Change Agents Embrace the Spirit of Science  longing to know and understand  questioning all things  searching for empirical facts  respecting logic  considering the premises  considering the consequences

Teachers as Change Agents Employ the “Rational Powers”  recalling and imagining  classifying and generalizing  comparing and evaluating  analyzing and synthesizing  deducing and inferring

Scientific Literacy The central questions are:  “How can science be taught to help students become skilled in creative and critical thinking?”  “How can pre-service teachers be taught to help students become skilled in creative and critical thinking?”