SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY ANS

SOCIETY
(STS)

OOI SIEW WIN (PPM0200/14)

GAYATHIY RAJASEKARAN (SPM0169/14)

INTRODUCTION

STS is an approach that takes into consideration the

interaction between science, technology, and society.
Science -driving force of technology
Technology-provides the justification for basic science
Both technology and science are under control by
society
STS is often taught via environmental concerns
According to Aikenhead (2000) STS Science
framework contain four processes and four products:

deliberation and curriculum policy;

research, development, and classroom materials;
implementation and teacher understanding;
instruction assessment and student learning.

OBJECTIVES OF STS
4

main purposes of the STS approach:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Preparing students to use science for improving

their own lives and as a corollary to be able to
better understand and cope with an increasingly
technological society.
Enabling students as they progress through life to
deal with STS issues in a responsible manner.
Identifying a body of knowledge that would enable
them to deal with STS issues.
Acquiring knowledge and understanding about
career opportunities in the field. Enabling the
students plan for their careers by comprehending
the possible job opportunities available in their job
market.

IMPORTANCE OF STS IN SCIENCE

EDUCATION

To improve the quality of human existence

Citizens can influence the direction of human affairs and can live
in a democratic society
The production of citizens who are creative, critical, analytical,
and rational
Should give pupils a basis for understanding and for coping with
their lives. They should be given applications and effects of
science in their personal and social life.
Future citizens(students) responsibility of making decisions that
require an understanding of the interaction of science and
technology and its interface with society.
STS - provides the students with a real-world connection between
the classroom and society.
Helps the students practice identifying potential problems, collect
data with regard to the problem, consider alternative solutions
and the consequences of a particular decision.

PROBLEMS IN EMBEDDING STS IN

EDUCATION

Teachers quality (teachers are not trained in teaching

using STS method)
teachers mindset, understanding of science,
community views
In need of suitable curriculum materials that can
prepare students for workforce
Lack of resources and support
Insufficient class time, Curriculum are overpacked

SUGGESTIONS ON STS IN
EDUCATION

Change of view in learning science and encourage STS in teaching.

Science educators work together to produce suitable curriculum that
incorporate STS in science learning.
Work as a community: Start from teachers, students and parents,
discussion and review on STS based projects.
Support of education institutes to provide state-of-art facilities and
well trained teaching forces (Include STS in teacher training
programmes and updated resources.
Dialogs, seminar and conference to review progress.
STEM education

REFERENCES
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No. 2, April 2000, 133-138
Science, Technology, and Society A Compelling Context for United StatesCanada Collaboration David D.
Kumar Florida Atlantic University, James W. Altschuld, Ohio State University, AMERICAN BEHAVIORAL
SCIENTIST, Vol. 47 No. 10, June 2004 1358-1367
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