Teaching and learning with ICT within the subject culture of secondary school science

Abstract

This paper reports some of the findings from the science subject design initiative team in the ESRC Interactive Education Project at the University of Bristol. The subject culture of secondary school science, characterised by a content‐laden curriculum and assessment, but also with a tradition and requirement for practical work, is briefly described to give a picture of the environment in which the use of ICT was planned. Six science teachers, working in UK comprehensive schools, with between 2 and 18 years experience in the classroom planned subject design initiatives (SDI) in which practical work was simulated by software. Team discussions and individual interviews following the SDIs are summarised and early conclusions presented about the resulting shift in pedagogic approach and subject culture.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge with thanks the work and interest of the teachers and pupils of the classes in which the SDIs took place.

Notes

1. Focus Educational Software, Ltd: www.focuseducational.com/.