Aims and evaluation of national and international programmes of science awareness : Aims and evaluation of national and international programmes of science awareness PCST2001 Workshop: Michael J. Kahn
University of Cape Town
Slide2 : Teachers of science and mathematics have crushing teaching loads -
when it comes to the deployment of people, time, and technology-(schools) [are] stuck in the 19th century.
Few elementary school teachers have even a rudimentary education in science and mathematics
The present curricula in science and mathematics are overstuffed and undernourished.
The present science textbooks and methods of instruction ... impede progress toward science literacy.
Problems begin in schools … where is this?
Teachers the world over deal with these issues : Teachers the world over deal with these issues
Slide4 : Home environment and media are powerful shapers for the former
‘Modern’ institutions, especially print media for the latter
Industrialised and industrialising … what drives public understanding of S & T?
The view from the South : The view from the South Shells PLC ‘layers and pockets’ scenario
GMOs, BSE, HIV/AIDS - issues of the day
From young upwardly mobile (YUPPIE) to connected, opulent and mobile (COMMIE)
Researchers in the South: from hunter gatherers to data gatherers?
How to determine what the different publics want of science
Slide6 : Communicating S&T
in politicized environments South Africa - a special case of two nations
Recognise and navigate under development
Maintain awareness of belief systems
Awareness of contending demands
Design for impact evaluation
Slide7 : We may learn from ... Educators: alternative conceptions movement
Sociologists: what matters to whom
Marketing consultants: how to promote issues
Political analysts: understand the dynamics
Evaluators: use appropriate methodologies
Successful scientists - why follow that star?
Slide8 : Points arising from discussions Baseline studies are important
A need for radar - anticipate the emerging issues
Grant makers could insist on PCST element in all grants
Knowledge without the means to act disempowers the public
Evaluation is pivotal … what changed through the intervention?
Develop strong lobby skills.
Slide9 : We may learn from ... Toffler Science is not an ‘independent variable’. It is an open system embedded in society and linked to it by very dense feedback loops. It is powerfully influenced, and, in a general way, its development is shaped by cultural receptivity to its dominant ideas.