THERE are rapid changes in the world now brought about by technological advancements. As teachers, we undergo a lot of changes too. Like our students, we have to be equipped with 21st century skills, which is now a need.
There is the pressure of competitiveness nowadays. Our students need to have a set of skills which they can use to their advantage in the future. They have to be adequately prepared to contribute to the society they live in.
How does science fit into all of this? Science is focused on intellectual engagement and critical thinking, which we can say are some of the skills needed by our students. It is also highly involved in problem solving as well as information literacy, especially when faced with problems.
These are skills which can contribute to the development of a student in the future, and harness their life skills that will help them succeed. Through science, these skills can be developed and infused.
So what is the purpose of science education? It is not simply to produce the next generation of scientists, but to make wise decisions in the future.
There are a lot of problems the world is facing now, including climate change, energy resources, food production, among others. These demand basic scientific literacy, and students must learn to understand these in case they come across a particular dilemma in the future.
By: Ma. Socorro F. Hernandez | Teacher I | Orani National High School | Orani, Bataan
