ERIC Number: EJ1040081
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Apr
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 72
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0926-7220
The Problem of Pseudoscience in Science Education and Implications of Constructivist Pedagogy
Mugaloglu, Ebru Z.
Science & Education, v23 n4 p829-842 Apr 2014
The intrusion of pseudoscience into science classrooms is a problem in science education today. This paper discusses the implications of constructivist pedagogy, which relies on the notions of viability and inter-subjectivity, in a context favourable to the acceptance of pseudoscience. Examples from written statements illustrate how prospective science teachers in Turkey readily accept pseudoscientific explanations of the origin of species. Constructivist pedagogy underestimates, if not ignores, the difficulty of holding rational discussions in the presence of pseudoscientific or absolute beliefs. Moreover, it gives a higher priority to learners' exposure to alternative constructions through social negotiation than to furthering their appreciation of science. Under these circumstances, self-confirmation and social pressure to accept existing pseudoscientific beliefs may be unanticipated consequences of social negotiation. Considering the aim of science education to foster an appreciation of science, the implications of constructivist pedagogy are, or should be, of great concern to science educators.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Science Education, Constructivism (Learning), Preservice Teachers, Scientific Concepts, Evolution
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Turkey

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