Supporting Science Education Research through an Innovative New Masters Programme

Science education in Ireland is facing a number of challenges. Delays to curriculum reform at post-primary level and increasing numbers of responsibilities for scientists in higher education are becoming considerable obstacles to progress in this area. The growth of higher education over the last few decades has been particularly nuanced in the area of science education as scientists are being tasked with not only their educational responsibilities but also with driving economic growth through research and development and the commercialisation of ideas. Science teachers are expected to utilise an outdated curriculum to provide the next generation of scientists to sustain a ‘knowledge-based economy’. To help scientists and science teachers overcome these barriers, an innovative new masters programme has been established at Trinity College Dublin. This course aims to give its participants the practical and academic skills needed to critically analyse the role of science in society and to cope with the growing challenges facing the field of science education.