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Science Literacy for Citizenship: Bridging the Gap. A Delphi Study of Arab and Lebanese Experts

Year 2018, Volume: 11 , 43 - 62, 01.12.2018

Abstract

The purpose of the present two-stage Delphi study is to
examine how Arab and Lebanese Educators view the relationship of the Science
Literacy and Citizenship concepts. It is known that students’ 21st
century science skills needed are used for being an active and responsible
citizen. Many of the academics involved in the research were the Arab and
Lebanese Experts who participated in the three-day conference about citizenship
in 2014, organized by the Faculty of Education, Lebanese University. A first round survey was carried out, and a questionnaire
on Citizenship and Science Literacy was administered via e-mail and returned by
28 experts in Education to Science Education at the Faculties of Education at
Arab universities. Experts’ responses were coded and categorized according to:
students’ citizenship skills, students’ scientific literacy skills, educational
challenges in terms of schools and society, curriculum development, teacher
preparation, and the values of a good, digital and global citizen. In the
second round survey, experts were again asked to comment on the depicted
themes. E
xperts’
opinions complemented each other and there were no controversies. All stressed
on the diversity and the respect of the other. They all concurred that in order
to live in an open society where all are respected one needs to discard and
reject any type of discrimination and fanaticism.
This
research would contribute in: a) making a repertoire of citizenship skills by
Arab and Lebanese experts, b) improving the quality of the science courses that
tackle the concepts of science literacy and citizenship education at the
Faculty of Education, and c) upgrading the in-service training programs that
nurture the same concepts.  

References

  • AAAS (1993). American Association for the Advancement of Science. Science for All Americans Online. www.aaas.org. Akar, B. (2012). Civics re-examined: The gap between civic education and active citizenship in Lebanon. In M. Shuayb (Ed.), Rethinking education for social cohesion: International case studies. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Akar, B. (2007).Citizenship education in Lebanon: An introduction into students’ concepts and learning experiences. Educate, Vol.7, No.2, pp. 2-18. Avella, J. R. (2016). Delphi panels: Research design, procedures, advantages, and challenges. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 11, 305-321. Retrieved from http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3561. Budapest Declaration (1999). Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge. World Conference on Science. available on: www.unesco.org/science/wcs/eng/declaration_e.htm. Retrieved on 22.4.2017. Chiapetta, E., Fillman, D. & Sethna, G. (1991). Procedures for conducting content analysis of science textbooks. University of Houston, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Houston. Delbecq, A. L., Van de Ven, A. H., & Gustafson, D. H. (1975). Group techniques for program planning: A guide to nominal group and Delphi processes. Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman and Company. Drissi, S. (2014). Citizenship Education Reconsidered in the Era of Democratic Transition. Citizenship, Social and Economics Education, 13 (2). Available from: www.wwwords.co.uk/csee. Retrieved on 20.8.2018. Duschl, R. A. (1990). Restructuring Science Education. New York: Teachers College Press. Faour , M. & Muasher, M. (2011). Education for Citizenship in the Arab World: Key to the Future. Carnegie Paper. Available from: carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=45823. Retrieved on 27.6.2015. http://carnegieendowment.org/2011/10/26/education-for-citizenship-in-ar. Frayha, N. (2004). Developing Curriculum as a Means to Bridging National Divisions in Lebanon. In S. Tawil & A. Harley (Eds.), Education, Conflict and Social Cohesion. Geneva: UNESCO International Bureau of Education. pp. 159-205. Frayha, N (2012). Education as a Means of Building Social Cohesion in Lebanon: In: Shuayb M (ed.) Rethinking Education for Social Cohesion: International Case Studies. London: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 103-113. Gatt, S. (2005). The Changing Face of Science Education: Preparing Scientifically Literate Citizens of Tomorrow. The Cyprus Journal of Sciences, Vol. 3, pp.1-18. Guo, L. (2014). Preparing Teachers to Educate for 21st Century Global Citizenship: Envisioning and Enacting, Journal of Global Citizenship & Equity Education, 4(1). www. journals.sfu.ca/jgcee. Höttecke, D. (2001). Die Natur der Naturwissenschaften historisch verstehen. Fachdidaktische und wissenschaftshistorische Untersuchungen. Berlin: Logos-Verlag. Holbrook, J., & Rannikmae, M. (Eds.). (1997). Supplementary teaching materials promoting scientific and technological literacy. Tartu, Estonia: ICASE (International Council of Associations for Science Education). Holbrook, J., & Rannikmae, M. (2007). Nature of science education for enhancing scientific literacy. International Journal of Science Education, 29(11), pp. 1347-1362. Inception Report on Support to the Lebanese Education Reform: Citizenship Education (2013). http://www.lscemena.org/uploads/resources/Citizenship_Education_Reform_Inception_Report.pdf Retrieved on 7.3.2018. International Conference on Arab Citizenship in the new Political Era (2014). University of Oslo and Ghent University, held between May 28-30, Rabat, Morocco. Jenkins E. (1997). Scientific and Technological literacy for citizenship: what can we learn from research and other evidence, in Slojberg S. and Kallerud E., (eds.) Science Technology and Citizenship, Oslo: NIFU. Kim, M & Aktan,T (2014. How to Enlarge the Scope of the Curriculum Integration of Mathematics and Science (CIMAS): A Delphi Study. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 2014, 10(5), pp. 455-469. Lederman, N. G. (1998). The State of Science Education: Subject Matter Without Context. The Electronic Journal of Science Education, V 3, No. 2.Online: http://unr.edu/homepage/jcannon/ejse/lederman.html Mayer, V. J. (1997). Global science literacy: An earth system view. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 34, pp. 101-105. Millar, R., & Osborne, J. F. (Eds.). (1998). Beyond 2000: Science Education for the Future. London: King's College London. Miller, (1983). Scientific Literacy: a conceptual and empirical review, Daedalus, Vol. 112, No. 2, pp. 29-48. Mueller, M.P., Tippins, D., & Bryan, L.A. (2012). The future of citizen science. Democracy & Education, 20(1). Article 2. Available online at http://democracyeducationjournal.org/home/vol20/iss1/2/. NRC (1996). National Research Council. National Science Education Standards. National Academy Press. Okoli, C. & Pawlowski, S.D. (2004). The Delphi method as a research tool: an example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management 42, pp. 15–29. Osborne, J., Collins, S., Ratcliffe, M., Millar, R. & Duschl, R. (2003). What "Ideas-about-Science" Should Be Taught in School Science? A Delphi Study of the Expert Community. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 40 (7): 692-720. Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2014). Reimagining Citizenship for the 21st Century. A Call to Action for Policymakers and Educators. Available from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/Reimagining_Citizenship_for_21st_Century_webversion.pdf. Retrieved on 10.6.2018. PISA (2015). Programme for International Student Assessment. www.pisa.org. Shuayb, M. (2015).Human rights and peace education in the Lebanese civics textbooks. Research in Comparative & International Education, 10 (1), pp. 135–150. Ratcliffe M., (1998). The Purposes of Science Education, in Sherrington R. A Guide to Primary Science Education, Stanley Thornes. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2008). Education and Citizenship: concepts, attitudes, skills and actions. Analysis of survey results of 9th grade students in Lebanon. Available from http://www.lb.undp.org/content/dam/lebanon/docs/Governance/Publications/English.pdf. Retrieved on 12. 3. 2008. UNESCO (2009). Current Challenges in Basic Science Education. Available from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0019/001914/191425e.pdf. Retrieved on 13. 8. 2018. UNESCO (2010). Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future. Sustainable Development Across the Curriculum. Module 7: Citizenship Education. Available from http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_b/mod07.html. Retrieved on 20. 3. 2015. UNESCO (2014). Global Citizenship Education. Preparing learners for the challenges of the twenty-first century. Available from : http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002277/227729e.pdf. Retrieved on 27. 5. 2015. UNICEF MENA Report (2017). Conceptual and Programmatic Framework on Life Skills and Citizenship Education Initiative: Middle East and North Africa. Reimagining Life Skills and Citizenship Education (LSCE). A Four-Dimensional and Systems Approach to 21st Century Skills in the Middle East and North Africa. Available from: http://www.lsce-mena.org/uploads/resources/lsce_(171002)/171020_CPF_Report_(website).pdf. Retrieved on 7. 8. 2018. Wiersma, W., & Jurs, S. G. (2009). Research methods in education (9th ed.). MA: Pearson Education.
Year 2018, Volume: 11 , 43 - 62, 01.12.2018

Abstract

References

  • AAAS (1993). American Association for the Advancement of Science. Science for All Americans Online. www.aaas.org. Akar, B. (2012). Civics re-examined: The gap between civic education and active citizenship in Lebanon. In M. Shuayb (Ed.), Rethinking education for social cohesion: International case studies. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Akar, B. (2007).Citizenship education in Lebanon: An introduction into students’ concepts and learning experiences. Educate, Vol.7, No.2, pp. 2-18. Avella, J. R. (2016). Delphi panels: Research design, procedures, advantages, and challenges. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 11, 305-321. Retrieved from http://www.informingscience.org/Publications/3561. Budapest Declaration (1999). Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge. World Conference on Science. available on: www.unesco.org/science/wcs/eng/declaration_e.htm. Retrieved on 22.4.2017. Chiapetta, E., Fillman, D. & Sethna, G. (1991). Procedures for conducting content analysis of science textbooks. University of Houston, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Houston. Delbecq, A. L., Van de Ven, A. H., & Gustafson, D. H. (1975). Group techniques for program planning: A guide to nominal group and Delphi processes. Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman and Company. Drissi, S. (2014). Citizenship Education Reconsidered in the Era of Democratic Transition. Citizenship, Social and Economics Education, 13 (2). Available from: www.wwwords.co.uk/csee. Retrieved on 20.8.2018. Duschl, R. A. (1990). Restructuring Science Education. New York: Teachers College Press. Faour , M. & Muasher, M. (2011). Education for Citizenship in the Arab World: Key to the Future. Carnegie Paper. Available from: carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=45823. Retrieved on 27.6.2015. http://carnegieendowment.org/2011/10/26/education-for-citizenship-in-ar. Frayha, N. (2004). Developing Curriculum as a Means to Bridging National Divisions in Lebanon. In S. Tawil & A. Harley (Eds.), Education, Conflict and Social Cohesion. Geneva: UNESCO International Bureau of Education. pp. 159-205. Frayha, N (2012). Education as a Means of Building Social Cohesion in Lebanon: In: Shuayb M (ed.) Rethinking Education for Social Cohesion: International Case Studies. London: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 103-113. Gatt, S. (2005). The Changing Face of Science Education: Preparing Scientifically Literate Citizens of Tomorrow. The Cyprus Journal of Sciences, Vol. 3, pp.1-18. Guo, L. (2014). Preparing Teachers to Educate for 21st Century Global Citizenship: Envisioning and Enacting, Journal of Global Citizenship & Equity Education, 4(1). www. journals.sfu.ca/jgcee. Höttecke, D. (2001). Die Natur der Naturwissenschaften historisch verstehen. Fachdidaktische und wissenschaftshistorische Untersuchungen. Berlin: Logos-Verlag. Holbrook, J., & Rannikmae, M. (Eds.). (1997). Supplementary teaching materials promoting scientific and technological literacy. Tartu, Estonia: ICASE (International Council of Associations for Science Education). Holbrook, J., & Rannikmae, M. (2007). Nature of science education for enhancing scientific literacy. International Journal of Science Education, 29(11), pp. 1347-1362. Inception Report on Support to the Lebanese Education Reform: Citizenship Education (2013). http://www.lscemena.org/uploads/resources/Citizenship_Education_Reform_Inception_Report.pdf Retrieved on 7.3.2018. International Conference on Arab Citizenship in the new Political Era (2014). University of Oslo and Ghent University, held between May 28-30, Rabat, Morocco. Jenkins E. (1997). Scientific and Technological literacy for citizenship: what can we learn from research and other evidence, in Slojberg S. and Kallerud E., (eds.) Science Technology and Citizenship, Oslo: NIFU. Kim, M & Aktan,T (2014. How to Enlarge the Scope of the Curriculum Integration of Mathematics and Science (CIMAS): A Delphi Study. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 2014, 10(5), pp. 455-469. Lederman, N. G. (1998). The State of Science Education: Subject Matter Without Context. The Electronic Journal of Science Education, V 3, No. 2.Online: http://unr.edu/homepage/jcannon/ejse/lederman.html Mayer, V. J. (1997). Global science literacy: An earth system view. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 34, pp. 101-105. Millar, R., & Osborne, J. F. (Eds.). (1998). Beyond 2000: Science Education for the Future. London: King's College London. Miller, (1983). Scientific Literacy: a conceptual and empirical review, Daedalus, Vol. 112, No. 2, pp. 29-48. Mueller, M.P., Tippins, D., & Bryan, L.A. (2012). The future of citizen science. Democracy & Education, 20(1). Article 2. Available online at http://democracyeducationjournal.org/home/vol20/iss1/2/. NRC (1996). National Research Council. National Science Education Standards. National Academy Press. Okoli, C. & Pawlowski, S.D. (2004). The Delphi method as a research tool: an example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management 42, pp. 15–29. Osborne, J., Collins, S., Ratcliffe, M., Millar, R. & Duschl, R. (2003). What "Ideas-about-Science" Should Be Taught in School Science? A Delphi Study of the Expert Community. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 40 (7): 692-720. Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2014). Reimagining Citizenship for the 21st Century. A Call to Action for Policymakers and Educators. Available from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/Reimagining_Citizenship_for_21st_Century_webversion.pdf. Retrieved on 10.6.2018. PISA (2015). Programme for International Student Assessment. www.pisa.org. Shuayb, M. (2015).Human rights and peace education in the Lebanese civics textbooks. Research in Comparative & International Education, 10 (1), pp. 135–150. Ratcliffe M., (1998). The Purposes of Science Education, in Sherrington R. A Guide to Primary Science Education, Stanley Thornes. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2008). Education and Citizenship: concepts, attitudes, skills and actions. Analysis of survey results of 9th grade students in Lebanon. Available from http://www.lb.undp.org/content/dam/lebanon/docs/Governance/Publications/English.pdf. Retrieved on 12. 3. 2008. UNESCO (2009). Current Challenges in Basic Science Education. Available from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0019/001914/191425e.pdf. Retrieved on 13. 8. 2018. UNESCO (2010). Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future. Sustainable Development Across the Curriculum. Module 7: Citizenship Education. Available from http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/theme_b/mod07.html. Retrieved on 20. 3. 2015. UNESCO (2014). Global Citizenship Education. Preparing learners for the challenges of the twenty-first century. Available from : http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002277/227729e.pdf. Retrieved on 27. 5. 2015. UNICEF MENA Report (2017). Conceptual and Programmatic Framework on Life Skills and Citizenship Education Initiative: Middle East and North Africa. Reimagining Life Skills and Citizenship Education (LSCE). A Four-Dimensional and Systems Approach to 21st Century Skills in the Middle East and North Africa. Available from: http://www.lsce-mena.org/uploads/resources/lsce_(171002)/171020_CPF_Report_(website).pdf. Retrieved on 7. 8. 2018. Wiersma, W., & Jurs, S. G. (2009). Research methods in education (9th ed.). MA: Pearson Education.
There are 1 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Suzanne El Takach This is me

Zalpha Ayoubı This is me

Publication Date December 1, 2018
Published in Issue Year 2018 Volume: 11

Cite

APA El Takach, S., & Ayoubı, Z. (2018). Science Literacy for Citizenship: Bridging the Gap. A Delphi Study of Arab and Lebanese Experts. The Eurasia Proceedings of Educational and Social Sciences, 11, 43-62.