A global dimension to science education in schools

## 1. Introduction

### 1 1 The global dimension in science – why?

# 1.1 1 Why include a global dimension in science education?

> Western science drew on a world heritage, on the basis of sharing ideas.

> Sen (2002)

> The global dimension refers to approaches to education … which focus on global issues, events and interdependence. … pupils will develop … an understanding of different cultural and political perspectives, as well as knowledge of global matters.

> ASE Global (2003)

We start by exploring some of the reasons why we should adopt a global approach in science education.

## Activity 1

Read 'Reasons for teaching the global dimension in science' by clicking on the 'view document' link below.

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Note any statements with which you disagree and any statements you think should be added, then arrange the reasons in order of their importance. Of course, there is no one ‘right answer’ here.

Next, listen to the audio clip of part of a conversation with an Oxfordshire teacher, below. Note the reasons given for including a global dimension in science. Discuss which reasons are most important in your own context.

Click play to listen to the audio file

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Transcript

Having considered why the global dimension in science is so important, I shall now look at how to incorporate it in science lessons. Amartya Sen, winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize for Economics, raises some challenging questions for science educators.

- What contributions to science have been made by those outside the ‘Western world’?

- Why should school science reflect the subject's diverse roots?

- How can you bring contemporary international science alive for your students?

- Can learning science from a global perspective motivate students and so raise achievement?

Through exploring these vital questions, I hope you will gain the motivation and confidence to incorporate the global dimension in the work of your science department.

OpenLearn - A global dimension to science education in schools
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