The Development of Issue-Based Learning on Ethics in a Science Classroom

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Teaching ethics in a science classroom is essential for students at all levels, and all over the world. This study is the first phase of my doctoral research study entitled “The Development of Issue-Based Learning on Ethics in a Science Classroom”. The aim is to survey science teachers and students’ opinion on suitable pedagogy of teaching ethics in the science classroom. Mahidol Wittayanusorn School and Princess Chulabhorn College are science schools in Thailand. Therefore, teachers and students from these two schools were surveyed. The study found that teachers and students are interested in teaching and learning about scientific ethics, taught in a regular science classroom instead of an elective one. Hybrid instruction (face-to-face and web-based instruction) could be used in the study along with several kinds of learning activities that can enhance students’ practical, analytical, creative and ethical thinking skills. The results will be used again in the second phase of the study.

Stream: Curriculum and Pedagogy; Student Learning, Learner Experiences, Learner Diversity

Paper: Survey of Science Teachers and Students’ Opinions on Learning Ethics in a Science Classroom

My name is Washirasorn Saengsuwan. I'm 29 years old. I'm from a family of seven. I'm now a chemistry teacher at Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, Nakon Pathom, Thailand. I'm also a doctoral student in science education, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. I have been working on my research study about teaching ethics in science classroom. I'm very interested in scientific ethics and ethics education. I would like to bring ethics into a science classroom at my school because my school endeavors is to provide world class education at the upper secondary level for exceptionally gifted and talented students in mathematics, science, and technology, so that they will have the essential qualities to become active lifetime learners, researchers and innovators. It is also the purpose of the school to induce in each student the inspiration of good moral and ethical values. Therefore, I would like them to be good and ethical scientists in the near future.