Course content

The teaching consists of lectures and student-led seminars, distributed over four modules. Together, the modules cover a wide range of perspectives and current issues in science education research internationally. Students read the core literature of all 4 modules, and choose in addition specialization literature for one of the modules. One may also combine modules in the selection of specialization literature. The four modules are: Module 1: Perspectives on learning science, including historical development in science teaching thinking: constructivism, sociocultural perspectives, situated learning, phenomenological perspectives on science learning, scientific literacy, text and language in science teaching and learning. Module 2: The nature of scientific knowledge and practices, the role of cultural contexts and history and philosophy of science in science teaching and learning, inquiry-based teaching, gender and indigenous knowledge in science learning. Module 3: Perspectives on technology as knowledge and practice, relations between technology, science and society, knowledge structures in technology and technology as part of science teaching. Module 4: Education for sustainable development, action competence for sustainability, normativity in education and whole school development.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced overview of current, and historical and philosophical perspectives in science education
• has insights into characteristics of text norms in science and into the role of language in science teaching
• is able to acknowledge the complexity and variation of scientific and technological knowledge and practices
• has insights in how technological knowledge can be conceptualized and the roles technology may play in science education
• has knowledge about sustainable development and the role of science education in contributing to sustainability

Skills

The candidate

• is able to identify the historical-philosophical roots of new trends in science education, and recognize and compare theoretical perspectives on learning in textbooks and academic discourse
• is able to analyze communication and argumentation patterns in science teaching discourses at advanced level
• is able to use perspectives from science education research in own research
• is able to discuss the nature of professional scientific and technological practices and question how they appear in textbooks and other materials for science teaching
• is able to frame research and education to contribute to sustainable development
• is able to analyze and plan research that reflects the gender dimensions of science

General competence

The candidate

• is able to identify, convey and discuss perspectives on science teaching and learning, orally as well as in writing
• is able to use perspectives and evidence from science education research in independent and consistent argumentation

Learning methods and activities

The teaching consists of lectures and student-led seminars, distributed over four modules. Together, the modules cover a wide range of perspectives and current issues in science education research internationally. Students read the core literature of all 4 modules, and choose in addition specialization literature for one of the modules. One may also combine modules in the selection of specialization literature. If the course has English students, the teaching will be in English. Assignments can be handed in in Norwegian or English.

Compulsory assignments

• 70 % attendance

Further on evaluation

Individual paper.

Text submitted for assessment in the required academic coursework may be included in the thesis in revised form.

For a retake of a failed exam, the candidate can submit a revised version of a previously submitted text in the course. If the submission is a revised version of a previously submitted text, this must be clarified in the text.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Master degree in natural science/engineering or in science education. Admission restrictions*: The course is limited to a of maximum 25 students, where 6 spots are reserved for applicants from other institutions affiliated with NorTED (www.nor-ted.com). If there are less than 5 applicants, the Department of Teacher Education reserves the right to cancel the course. * Applicants will be ranked based on the following criteria and deadline for applications can be found here: https://www.ntnu.edu/ilu/phd-courses