The National Value of Science Education Conference
17-18 September 2007
Purpose
This two-day international conference combined economic, cultural and educational perspectives on school science education. Focusing on OECD (developed) countries, the conference aimed to get beyond the simplistic idea that "we need more scientists" and examined the benefits of science education to citizenship and national life.
Bringing together economists with education researchers, practitioners and policy makers, the conference combined international comparisons and analysis with practical recommendations.
The conference was organised by the Wellcome Trust, in partnership with the US National Science Foundation (NSF). Assistance was also provided by the British Council, the Nuffield Foundation and the National Science Learning Centre.
Programme
This conference followed on from a bilateral UK-US (NSF) meeting in late 2006 on the supply of scientists, which made several recommendations for a larger conference. We chose to focus on two key aspects:
Day 1: What is the national and supranational value of science education?
The first day of the conference brought together educational and economic perspectives in a rich dialogue and to get beyond the simplistic mantra that "we need more scientists". Educational researchers, practitioners and policy makers engaged with experts in the economic analysis of employment trends and the contribution of science to national prosperity and wellbeing.
The cultural and societal value of science education was also considered along with the need for a scientifically literate general public prepared to engage with national issues. Given international data showing a coherent decline in interest in science among children in developed nations, the day produced creative and evidentially motivated interventions, while allowing delegates to share their experiences.
Day 2: What are the challenges to delivering a high-quality science education to all?
There was an opportunity for delegates to address the specific issues relating to delivery of science education in the context of national priorities. Delegates were split into three streams focusing on the following issues:
- Curriculum and assessment
- Teachers: the supply, training and retention of teachers
- Informal sector
Conference report and next steps
The Wellcome Trust has produced: a report of the conference [PDF 510KB] and a summary of next steps to be taken [Word 40KB].
Other documents reflecting on the event include:
National Science Learning Centre statement [Word 28KB]
National Science Foundation statement [Word 41KB]
Nuffield Foundation statement [Word 28KB]
British Council statement [Word 36KB].
Six months on
The progress report [Word 52KB] shows the steps taken by the Wellcome Trust since the conference. Delegates from the UK, Japan, Portugal and Finland have also shared developments from their countries.
