After reading a synopsis called "Views of Science: Is Science Independent of Culture?" in Diversity and Equity in Science Education: Research, Policy, and Practice, I reflected much on two varying perspectives of teaching science: universalist science and multiculturalist science. Lee and Buxton (2010) present universalist science as
"the view that the natural world follows a consistent set of rules, and because science is the quest to understand and explain those rules, then science must be practiced in the same way no matter where or by whom it is done" (p. 24).
Lee and Buxton (2010) argue that universalist science does not consider that some English language learners and those from non-westernized cultures may have varying perspectives on the "practices of knowing the natural world" (p. 26). Thus, Lee and Buxton (2010) argue that multiculturalist science may be an appropriate way to incorporate science into the United State's educational system. Multiculturalist science is a way to incorporate varying perspectives of how to do science.
Although I'm still struggling with fully understanding the two views of science, I do see how the multicultural science perspective may be beneficial when working with all students. I see inquiry-based science teaching as a way to actually do multiculturalist science. The connection I make is that in inquiry-based science enables students use their own problem-solving skills and perspective to find out answers to their questions. Students who come from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds would be able to bring multiple perspectives and processes of finding answers to their questions.
Through this reading I had some questions that came to me. I'm unsure of how to answer them or how to even look for answers to them:
- What are examples of ways that students may approach science different from in the United States? I'm thinking of concepts such as eastern medicinal practices, such as accupuncture.
- How do I differentiate science from technology as I think about universalist science and multiculturalist science?
Resource:
Lee, O. & Buxton, C.A. (2010). Diversity and equity in science education: Research, policy, and practice J.A. Banks, (Ed.) New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Wow, this is really interesting. I guess I never thought about the idea that science is taught in different ways. The questions you ended your blog with are similar to the questions I have about the research you're doing and I, too, think that accupuncture vs. western medical science may be a good example. I look forward to reading what else you may come across!
ReplyDeleteKelsey,
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, but I'm not sure what Lee and Buxton consider is multiculturalist science. I always thought that science, like math, is universal. With the exception of evolution vs. intelligent design, the laws and theories of science apply regardless of where the science is studied, or who is doing the studying. In the example Sara mentioned, for some cultures accupuncture is a preferred treatment for certain conditions. It's hard to argue with someone if they find one treatment better than others. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are very popular in all cultures. But, this doesn't change the science behind the condition. I look forward to reading more on this subject. Very interesting.
I agree with Sara, I never though about how science might be taught differently outside the US. It makes sense that ELLs might struggle with concepts like this in the US if we hold such a closed view of what science is. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat is interesting is that the "universalist" approach has fallen out of favor to describe science. Many people still want to believe scientists are objective and that following the "scientific method" will result in "perfect" results. Unfortunately, science is inherently biased. that is. our culture and our background come to bear on how we do our science.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we can't take this view too far. Science does go across cultures. Because science relies on evidence, if an interpretation is too far off, the ideas won't actually account for the evidence.
This is a pretty interesting topic. I sometimes think about this idea for other subjects as well. We have our own view and our own focus that can be different from other countries. However, Professor Kruse has a good point about how the science field is very intertwined and that it would be really had to have too many ideas that are completely different because if there is no evidence for the new findings, it won't last in the science world. I also don't think that having a different view is necessarily a bad thing either. It gives a little variety to things.
ReplyDelete