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Science education today and for the future – University of Reading

The Annual Meeting of the Association for Science Education (ASE) 8 – 10 January 2004 at The University of Reading In an increasingly scientific and technological world, finding ways of enhancing the teaching and learning of science in our schools and colleges provides many challenges for science teachers and everyone involved in science education. Exploring ways in which these challenges might be overcome is a major focus of the largest gathering of science educators in the UK (possibly in Europe) that is taking place at the University of Reading from Wednesday 7 – Saturday 10 January 2004. Over 3000 science teachers and educators from 50 or more countries will take over the University Campus to take part in a programme that offers in excess of 300 talks, presentations and workshops which will address all the major issues in science education today such as: • The proposed curriculum changes at Key Stage 4 (14-16 year olds) leading to GCSE qualifications in science; • Developments at AS / A2 Level; • Assessment and examinations in science; • Use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) to support the teaching of science; • Creativity in science teaching and learning. The Director of Schools at DfES, Peter Howsden, is expected to give the inaugural ASE Key Note Lecture on Science Education (Thursday 8 January 2004 at 15.00). Sir Peter Williams, Chair of the Engineering Technology Board, will deliver his Presidential Address (Friday 9 January 2004 at 14.00) addressing the issue of 'Continuing Professional Development: recognition and reward'. The quality of science in primary schools will be acknowledged on Saturday 10 January 2004 (12.00 – 13.00) when the Astra Zeneca Teaching Trust / TES Primary Science Teaching Awards for 2003 are announced and presented. Other events will include: • Frontier Science Lecture Series given by leading scientists from the University of Reading and providing up to date research and thinking on topics ranging from Genes and Heart Disease: choose your parents carefully! through Climate Change: how do we tell of it is really happening? to Surfing the Yangze Flood Wave. • Update on the progress of the network of Science Learning Centres (national and regional) which are being developed to provide science teachers and technicians with high quality programmes of continuing professional development. (16.00 Thursday 8 January 2004) • The Nuffield Lecture by Dr Tim Hunt (Cancer Research UK), Cell growth and cell division: what we know, how we know it and what we'd like to know. (11.30 – 12.30 Saturday 10 January 2004) • The launch of Laboratory Design for Teaching and Learning software for teachers to explore ways of creating spaces for science which are conducive to good teaching and learning • The International Day (Wednesday 7 January 2004) provides and opportunity to explore themes with many of the international visitors. • The major exhibition of resources for science teaching and learning which covers over 3600 square metres of stands and displays. • School Science Showcase, sponsored by Oxford University Press, will present the work of students in schools in the region and awards will be presented at 15.30 on Friday 9 January 2004 In addition to sessions by individuals, the leading scientific organisations in the UK, government bodies, publishers and equipment suppliers all contribute to the ASE Annual Meeting but it is more than just another conference. It is a shot in the arm for those who attend and provides a glimpse of just what is possible when teachers, technicians, scientists, statutory bodies, industry, and business come together to promote quality in the teaching and learning of science. As one teacher put it: 'ASE is a kick start which sets you up for the year. I come home buzzing with ideas, laden with teaching resources and simultaneously invigorated and exhausted! This is what science teachers really do with their Christmas holidays.' And an international visitor commented: 'The Annual Meeting is a wonderful door to the International World of Science Teaching. I always come back home full of new and mostly promising ideas about how to improve my work with students and teachers.' Dr Derek Bell, Chief Executive of the ASE, said: 'Science education faces many challenges but when you see the energy and commitment of everyone at the ASE Annual Meeting you realise what is possible. By building on existing successes and strengths, of which there are many, and working in partnership we can overcome many of the difficulties and really enhance the quality of science teaching and learning across the UK.' end Notes for Editors The ASE is the largest subject association in the UK for teachers, technicians and others interested in science education. Working closely with the science professional bodies, industry and business, ASE provides, a UK-wide network bringing together individuals and organizations to share good ideas, tackle challenges in science teaching, develop resources and foster high quality continuing professional development. The Annual Meeting of the ASE can be traced back to a meeting held in January 1901 when about 40 Science Masters met in a single room in the University of London to share ideas on how to improve their science teaching. Although they might not recognize the Annual Meeting today they would appreciate its main purpose which continues to be about finding ways to continuously improve the quality of science teaching and learning. The Science Masters Association which subsequently arose from the meeting in 1901 joined with the Association of Women teachers of Science in 1963 to form what is now the Association for Science Education. For further information contact: The Association for Science Education (ASE) College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AA Tel: +44 (0) 1707-283000 Fax: +44 (0) 1707-266532 Web site: http://www.ase.org.uk Press Contact Dr Derek Bell, Chief Executive, ASE derekbell@ase.org.uk