New Perspectives in Science Education

This on-going science education initiative involves the development of a self-help community-based model for enhanced science and mathematics teaching and learning sustainability in schools based in the town of Mallow and it’s surrounding districts, in County Cork, Ireland. This presentation will focus on the primary science component of the project, which aims to:

•       build primary teachers’ content and pedagogy knowledge in science through the provision of quality professional training developed from evidence-based research

•       develop community-led programmes to increase children, teachers and the general public’s engagement with science, therefore influencing their attitudes and perceptions positively towards science.

Phase 1 of the project 2010 – 2014 involves an extensive sustained programme of continuous professional development (CPD) in Science was implemented successfully throughout each of the 4 years of the programme in 16 primary schools in the Mallow district.

Phase 2 involved an evaluation of the first phase of the project in 2014 by gathering data through questionnaires and interviews from teachers and principals in 16 primary schools that participated in the programme of CPD. The Majority of the teachers rated that the active engagement, sharing of resources and ideas and collaboration aspects to the programme were effective or very effective. The majority reported improvements in their pedagogy, planning and understanding, gaining confidence in their ability to teach Science.

Phase 3 of the project is now underway which involves placing a stronger emphasis on the transition between primary and second level education and continuing to develop sustainability in the Mallow district schools and community.