Designing a primary science curriculum in a globalizing world: how do social constructivism and Vietnamese culture meet?

N. Vu Thu Hang*, M.R. Meijer, A.M.W. Bulte, A. Pilot

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The implementation of social constructivist approaches to learning science in primary education in Vietnamese culture as an example of Confucian heritage culture (CHC) remains challenging and problematic. This theoretical paper focuses on the initial phase of a design-based research approach; that is, the description of the design of a formal, written curriculum for primary science education in which features of social constructivist approaches to learning are synthesized with essential aspects of Vietnamese culture. The written design comprises learning aims, a framework that is the synthesis of learning functions, learning settings and educational expectations for learning phases, and exemplary curriculum units. Learning aims are formulated to comprehensively develop scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward science for primary students. Derived from these learning aims, the designed framework consists of four learning phases respectively labeled as Engagement, Experience, Exchange, and Follow-up. The designed framework refers to knowledge of the "nature of science" education and characteristics of Vietnamese culture as an example of Confucian heritage culture. The curriculum design aims to serve as an educational product that addresses previously analyzed problems of primary science education in the Vietnamese culture in a globalizing world.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)739-760
Number of pages21
JournalCultural Studies of Science Education
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • social constructivist approach to science learning
  • primary science education
  • Vietnamese culture
  • Confucian heritage culture
  • Design
  • Curriculum

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