>Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 06:07:49 +0100
>Sender: Biology Tutors Discussion List <BIOTUTOR-L@...>
>From: Dean Madden <dean@...>
>Subject: Select committee report
>
>From the BBC's Web site today:
>
>---
>"Science lessons for teenagers are becoming so boring they are putting
>pupils off science for life, a cross-party group of MPs is expected to
>warn.
>
>GCSE science is based on rote learning of facts of little use and has
>made practical work a "tedious and dull activity", the Commons science
>and technology committee was to report.
>
>The situation could have a major impact on scientific research in the
>future with pupils not inspired to continue with science beyond 16, it
>is feared.
>
>The report, published on Thursday morning, will call for greater
>flexibility in the science curriculum and greater focus on contemporary
>science.
>
>The MPs were likely to blame the exam boards and the Qualifications and
>Curriculum Authority for the problem, saying their approach to testing
>GCSE science was preventing good science from being taught in schools."
>---
>
>Pity it's taken them so long to spot it!
>
>Dean


--


Dr. Keith S. Taber
http://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/staff/taber.html
University Lecturer in Education
University of Cambridge Faculty of Education
Homerton College site
Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 2PH



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