Department: Master of Education
Module Description: The aims of this module are to provide a discourse on major theories and issues on the history and the philosophy of science, develop an informed understanding of the nature of science, and connect discussion to science research and practice. The module provides opportunities to examine the historical and philosophical perspectives of science. It considers the nature of what science is, how it works, and its ethical and societal considerations. It will also critically study the parallel but separate development of science and technology, their differences and their connectedness. Classroom implications for teaching and learning implicit and explicit nature of science and its philosophy will be provided. The impact of each of these entities on society will be addressed where appropriate.
Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003). An introduction to the philosophy of science: theory and reality. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Purchase eBook
Kuhn, T. (2012). The structure of scientific revolutions. 4th edn. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Purchase eBook
Matthews, M. R. (2015). Science teaching: the contribution of history and philosophy of science. 2nd edn. London: Routledge. Purchase eBook
Ackerson, V., Hanson, D. & Cullen, T. (2007). The influence of guided inquiry and explicit instruction on K-6 teachers' views of nature of science. Journal of Science Teacher Education, vol. 18, pp. 751-772. Request item
Burr, J. & Goldinger, M. (2004). Philosophy and contemporary issues. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Forawi, S.A. (2003). Effects of contributing factors to students’ understanding of the nature of science. The Education Researcher Journal, vol. 18, pp. 15-31.
Forawi, S. A. (2010a). Impact of teachers’ conceptions of science and use of textbooks on students. The International Journal of Learning, vol. 17(7), pp. 101-119. Request item
Forawi, S. A. (2010b). Investigating the relationship between the nature of science and guided inquiry instruction. Journal of Applied Research in Education, vol. 14(1), pp. 18-31.
Silvers, R. (ed.). (1995). Hidden histories of science. New York: New York Review.
