Nowadays, one of the main goals of science curricula is to promote a deep understanding about the nature of science. Particularly, it aims at facilitating students' understanding about the construction of scientific knowledge and decision making concerning scientific issues with a direct impact on their lives. However, research shows that teachers do not explore this dimension in their teaching, comprising students' learning about controversial issues. Despite this state of affairs, research also shows the potentiality of using discussion about controversial socio-scientific issues for developing a more real image of science. The goal of the present study is to understand how a group of 29 teachers enrolled in a Master in Education, appraises this teaching methodology. Despite very positive evaluations from the teachers, this study illuminates the need keep on supporting teachers in their use of discussions in the classroom.
Teacher education; Science education; Discussion; Socio-scientific issues