Teaching and learning

In teaching Science in Society you will probably use a wider range of approaches to teaching and learning than are common in other science classes.

Science in Society is different because it aims to help students understand how science works and to provide them with the skills needed to participate as citizens in debates on topical science. The course therefore expects students to develop their abilities across a wider range of concepts and skills than they use in most traditional science classes.

These include the ability to express an opinion supported by evidence and to critically evaluate arguments used by others. This means that as teachers we need to let go some of our control to allow open-ended discussion, whilst still taking responsibility for ensuring that learning takes place.

This section of the site provides advice on some relevant teaching techniques like 'small group discussion', 'role play' or 'keeping Science in Society topical'. It provides advice on developing specific student skills including argument skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate a media story about science. It introduces and provides links to Learning Skills for Science, LSS, activities.

This is a set of ideas that have been successful with classes. For each there is a brief outline of the suggested method and links to activities which use it.

Last updated: 12 November 2008