Negotiating a socio‐scientific issue within a ‘normal’ life framework
Byrne , Jenny , Ideland, Malin , Malmberg, Claes and Grace, Marcus (2012) Negotiating a socio‐scientific issue within a ‘normal’ life framework. International Journal of Science Education (Submitted).
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Description/Abstract
In this study 9‐10 year olds in Sweden and England discuss issues about carbon dioxide reduction. It analyses how different discursive repertoires are used to legitimise or question their ‘normal’ everyday lifestyles. It also raises the question on what role science plays in their discussions. The students discussed four possible options that a government might consider to help reduce global warming. Conversations from 39 small groups of students were audiorecorded, transcribed and coded. Six repertoires were identified: Everyday life; Self Interest; Environment; Science and Technology; Society; Justice. These were used to promote and counter arguments through either agreement or disagreement. The everyday life repertoire was used when they related to ‘normal’ lifestyles. Science and technological solutions were often suggested as ‘magic bullets’ to maintain or improve these. Arguments related to health or environment was commonly superior to other. Findings showed that the students were able to negotiate real‐world science of the kind used by engaged citizens, and able to work creatively together on this complex problem‐solving task. When the repertoires were in conflict with each other, students had to ‘renegotiate’ their own identities. They positioned themselves as active contributors to society, using scientific ideas, among others, to understand the problems that affected their normal everyday lives. Honing these skills within a school science community of practice, by specific training and guidance, can facilitate students’ scientific literacy and empower them as citizens, and we should therefore encourage changes to pedagogical practice that enable all children to engage in such socio‐scientific discussions
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| ISSNs: | 0950-0693 (print) 1464-5289 (electronic) |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Social and Human Sciences > Southampton Education School > Mathematics & Science Education |
| Item ID: | 336301 |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Mar 2012 10:04 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Mar 2012 10:04 |
| Contributors: | Byrne , Jenny (Author) Ideland, Malin (Author) Malmberg, Claes (Author) Grace, Marcus (Author) |
| Date: | 2012 |
| Status: | Submitted |
| URI: | http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/336301 |
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