Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 August 2009
It is well known that learning tasks and demands in science education present substantial difficulties for the majority of students (Aikenhead, 1994; Solomon & Aikenhead, 1994; Yager, 1996; see also Mikkilä-Erdmann 2001; Vosniadou et al. 2001; Wiser & Amin 2001). International comparisons (e.g., TIMSS – Third International Mathematics and Science Study, Martin & Kelly 1996; Baumert, Lehman, et al. 1997; and PISA – Programme for International Student Assessment, http://www.pisa.oecd.org, Baumert et al., 2001) reveal considerable problems concerning application tasks, problem solving, scientific argumentation, and the like, whereas reproductive tasks and skills are better mastered. In my view these results indicate that most of the students have tremendous problems in theoretical thinking. Science education suffers – among other shortcomings – from a predominant orientation toward isolated, nonsituated facts that are seldom applied to real-life situations, and this orientation leads to difficulties in understanding and a loss of sense and motivation in many students. One reason for this situation is the preference in today's classroom for an often unrelated, single-discipline approach as a means to interpretation and understanding. This approach is no longer viable, however, because mankind's problems are becoming more and more complex and their understanding and solution require the application of a transdisciplinary approach to address this complexity.
Mankind's problems are a consequence of developmental conflicts of complex systems (ecology, economy, climate, democracy). These systems are characterized by opposing tendencies.
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