Concerns over reform in Science education

The Science Students’ Society (S-Cubed) has expressed its concerns about the proposed changes to the National Curriculum Framework, in particular the consultation document ‘A vision for Science education in Malta’.

S-Cubed said that while the reforms point towards a healthy change in the outlook towards the education of students and the importance of appreciating science in today’s world, there were still several issues that need to be clarified prior to the changes coming into effect.

The student society welcomed the proposed changes to the method of delivery and content of science education, as well as the introduction of integrated science in the first two years of secondary school.

However, S-Cubed criticised the “lack of concreteness evident in the proposals put forward”.

“The ‘paradigm shift’ of increased scientific concepts and a greater degree of reasoning only appear ideal in theory”, adding that the absence of the new proposed syllabi for the topics to be covered in secondary schools put people and entities who wish to constructively criticise the reforms at a disadvantage.

It also lamented the fact that while the consultation document focuses greatly on secondary education, there is very little mention of post-secondary and tertiary levels.

“A primary concern is the lack of specification about the transition from ‘O’ level to advanced and intermediate level education.

“The issue becomes further accentuated because as one proceeds to higher education institution, the content of science subjects begins to become more academic and theoretical,” it said.

S-Cubed urged the education authorities to engage in further consultations both with the entities directly responsible for higher education as well as with members of the science student body to gauge more accurately the underlying local issues in science education prior finalising the National Curriculum Framework.