Enhancing Scientific Literacy through the Industry Site Visit

Citizens in contemporary societies are encountering more and more issues that are somehow related to science and technology. Therefore, science and technology education plays an important role in providing students with the knowledge and the competences they need in their life. The research and development project discussed in this chapter focuses specifically on scientific literacy. It is considered as a crucial element of multiple literacies required in modern life. These proficiencies are often referred to in terms such as information literacy, media literacy, environmental literacy, political literacy, computer literacy etc. (see e.g., Lankshear & Knobel, 2003). In order to enhance student scientific literacy the authors introduce a model of industry site visit for lower secondary school science education as a form of out-of-school learning. The potential of the site visit and other learning activities connected to it are discussed in the frameworks of scientific literacy, motivation and interest. The site visit and the activities, such as the use of ICT in reading and writing, are scrutinised with regard to the specified educational goals. The analysis of the motivational aspects of the site visit is based on self-determination theory. Self-determined learning could occur when an activity at a site is considered by a learner to be interesting, enjoyable, or personally valuable. Furthermore, the site visit offers role models which are critical for students’ choice of advanced studies and careers in science. Some empirical results on both cognitive and affective learning outcomes, as well as challenges that were encountered are presented on the basis of first design and evaluation cycle.