Determining students’ views on the aspect of relevance in a manner which has educational
value.
• Learning more about students’ scientific understanding, or prior conceptual knowledge.
• Establishing, in the minds of students, the need (that by gaining a stronger conceptual
science background they would be better placed to make decisions within society which
are needed in relation to an aspect of relevance).
• Identifying the way forward – that is, the approach to the gaining of science knowledge
and skills, needed in order to begin to develop a wider view of the nature of science,
greater intellectual skills and the competencies for the ultimate discussion, or consensus,
on decision making.
This approach to teaching also means that the sequence is no longer ‘science driven’ (that is, the
sequencing is not necessarily that seen as logical by scientists). The initial sequence is not
necessarily in line with any recognisable concept map, as the teaching is not conceptual. Rather
the teaching progresses from an issue or concern to the interpretation and subsequent action. It
involves tackling the science component from a society level of complexity in the context in
which it is met. The science learning, identified as an important need so as to be able to further
consider the issue or concern, is broken down to the needed level of conceptual complexity for
comprehension by the students involved.