Science Education for Contemporary Society: Problems, Issues and Dilemmas. Final Report of the International Workshop on the Reform in the Teaching of Science and Technology at Primary and Secondary Level in Asia: Comparative References to Europe (Beijing, China, March 27-31, 2000).

This report is divided into five parts. Part One entitled "Science Education for Contemporary Society: Problems, Issues and Dilemmas," explores the contemporary relationship between science and society and studies how current practices in science teaching are based on a number of myths or assumptions that are not always justified. It also examines existing obstacles to change and ends with suggesting some elements of remediation. Part Two and Part Three address "Current Trends and Main Concerns as Regards Science Curriculum Development Implementation in Selected States in Asia and in Europe." Each case study focuses first on the status of teaching science and technology in the country, secondly on the main problems in teaching science and technology, thirdly on recent reform, and fourth on innovative use of non-school resources. Part Four, "New Approaches in Science and Technology Education," presents four contributions focusing on key issues for science teaching. Part Five contains an overview of "The Challenges to Be Faced in Order to Progress towards a Greater Coherence and Relevance of Science and Technology Teaching." (SAH)