Reversing the Swing from Science: Implications from a Century of Research
Description
For at least the past 100 years science educators have been concerned about how best to encourage children’s natural interests in science; but the problem of waning interest through the middle school and high school years persists. Research on how best to maintain interest in what is now more broadly conceived of as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is more important than ever. These studies can be categorized as deductive research that begin with theories of action and lead to interventions to be tested; or inductive studies that begin with existing programs, and lead to theories about why some are more effective than others. Given the importance of this issue for preparing a scientifically literate population and strong technical workforce, it is essential that researchers build on each others’ work and communicate findings so as to influence policy and practice.
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