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Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 18, Issue 2, Article 15 (Dec., 2017) |
Scientific literacy education: Reflections from Fiji
Runaaz SHARMA and Lalesh Ram SHARMA
Department of Primary Education, Fiji National University
PO Box 5529, Lautoka, FIJIEmail: runaaz.ali@fnu.ac.fj
Lalesh Ram SHARMA
School of Education, Faculty of Arts, Law and Education
University of the South Pacific, Lautoka, FIJIReceived 30 Oct., 2017
Revised 20 Dec., 2017
Scientific literacy education is undermined in literacy education in Fiji. Despite being a critical component of literacy education, scientific literacy is given lip service in the primary school curriculum. Scientific literacy is a critical 21st century skill for all citizens. This conceptual paper argues for an explicit emphasis on scientific literacy education in primary schools. Literacy definitions in some policy documents are explored and critically appraised in relation to scientific literacy needs. The paper further suggests an integrated approach to teaching through the use of quality texts in order to advance scientific literacy development in Fiji especially in the lower primary. The discussions in this paper has policy and research implications relevant to literacy education in Fiji and other jurisdiction, especially in developing contexts.
Keywords: Scientific literacy, literacy, definitions, integrated approach, information texts, narrative and non-narrative texts
