Striving for sustainability requires a paradigm shift in conceptualization, thinking, research and education, particularly concerning the science-technology-environment-society (STES) interfaces. Consequently, "STES literacy" requires the development of students' question asking, critical, evaluative system thinking, decision making and problem…

Given the current striving for "sustainability" and the corresponding paradigms shift in science, technology, R&D, environment perception, economy and politics; e.g., from unlimited growth-to-sustainable development, correction-to-prevention and passive consumption of "goods", culture and education--to active participation,…

Argues for a decision-making-oriented science and technology curriculum for secondary school students which should: (1) expose students to open-ended problems within their natural setting; (2) provide students with real decision-making situations; and (3) involve students in scientific/technological social actions (in community institutions or…

Assesses the conceptual change of teachers who have been involved in the development, implementation, field testing, and evaluation of several modules. Points out that the intrinsic nature of the STEMS (Science-Technology-Environment-Society) curriculum requires that the teachers who teach it also be the developers of its modules. (Contains 48…

This longitudinal case-study aimed at examining whether purposely teaching for the promotion of higher order thinking skills enhances students' critical thinking (CT), within the framework of science education. Within a pre-, post-, and post-post experimental design, high school students, were divided into three research groups. The experimental…

The Individualized Eclectic Examination is described. The format, design, and philosophy of the examination that emphasizes problem solving are discussed. Sample questions, student projects, and an illustration of the implementation of the exam are included. (CW)

Discusses science education reform and changes in teaching and learning processes. Compares higher order cognitive skills to lower order cognitive skills in learning, and gives rationales for advocating higher order cognitive skills. (Contains 38 references.) (YDS)

Describes a study focusing on student self-assessment and self-grading of examinations that test higher-order cognitive skills. The study supposed that by evaluating their own performance, students could not only enhance academic strengths and reduce weaknesses but also learn material in greater depth and further develop critical thinking skills.…

Based on the belief that students should have a better understanding of technology and science and their interaction with society, the course Science and Technology 11 (ST 11), was proposed in 1984 for students in grade 11 in British Columbia (Canada) who did not elect one of the existing science courses. In September 1986, this new STS course was…

Specific recommendations are made to implement education in science/technology/environment/society (STES) issues in Canadian schools. Functional STES literacy will enable students to take positions on issues based on their cognitive analyses and value systems. Contemporary science teaching neglects the problem solving that real STES education will…

Deals with strategies for the fostering of the question-asking capabilities of chemistry students through the use of active, real-world problem-solving and decision-making processes. Suggests that appropriate teaching strategies do facilitate the students' question-asking abilities, and strengthen their confidence in applying them to…