Portfolio Guide 1

Issues in teaching and learning Science

Throughout the course we will be raising a variety of issues in science education that address the broad areas of:

1. the nature and purposes of contemporary school science education
2. student and public perceptions of science and participation rates in school and university science courses
3. contemporary school science curricula and syllabuses, including the nature of the NSW stage 4-5 and stage 6 Science syllabuses
4. children's understandings and learning of science
5. science teaching strategies, including alternative and innovative approaches to science teaching
6. key concepts and themes in school science
7. curriculum standards and outcomes-based science education
8. planning science lessons
9. planning science units of work
10. legal and OH&S (occupational health and safety) issues in science teaching

You should organise your portfolio entries under these headings, and others as appropriate (adding your own sub-headings as required). By the end of the year you should aim to have done at least the following for each big issue:

• give a summary or overview of the facts of the issue (i.e. what is this issue all about, what are some key references, why is it an issue, who are the main protagonists in the discussion etc.)
• progressively record your own ideas about and/or reactions to each issue as further relevant information or input is encountered (in the coursework, your readings or the in-school experiences) e.g.
  • what is your opinion?
  • why do you hold that opinion?
  • what evidence would you cite to support your views?
  • what are the implications for school science and its teaching?
  • what are the implications for you as a prospective science teacher?
• come to some conclusion about your stance on this issue by the end of the course.

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