Contemporary Trends and Issues in Science Education Critical Thinking Teacher Training

This edited volume explores the challenge of fostering critical thinking (CT) skills in science education, presenting the ENCIC-CT model as a framework for development. This edited volume explores the challenge of fostering critical thinking (CT) skills in science education, presenting the ENCIC-CT model as a framework for development. Named after the Science Education and Competences (Enseñanza de las Ciencias y Competencias, ENCIC) research group at the University of Malaga, Spain, this model emphasizes cultivating CT through socio-scientific issues and daily-life problems. It includes three key domains: knowledge, skills, and dispositions, each encompassing various dimensions addressed through scientific practices like argumentation, inquiry, and modeling. Teaching strategies such as gamification, role-playing, micro-debates, augmented reality, controversy mapping, and digital storytelling are highlighted. Spanning theoretical perspectives and practical experiences from early childhood to higher education, this book consolidates findings from the Spanish R&D project, “Citizens with Critical Thinking: A Challenge for Teachers in Science Education.” It is an essential resource for educators, researchers, and practitioners, offering valuable insights and practical applications for all educational levels. This edited volume explores the challenge of fostering critical thinking (CT) skills in science education, presenting the ENCIC-CT model as a framework for development. Named after the Science Education and Competences (Enseñanza de las Ciencias y Competencias, ENCIC) research group at the University of Malaga, Spain, this model emphasizes cultivating CT through socio-scientific issues and daily-life problems. It includes three key domains: knowledge, skills, and dispositions, each encompassing various dimensions addressed through scientific practices like argumentation, inquiry, and modeling. Teaching strategies such as gamification, role-playing, micro-debates, augmented reality, controversy mapping, and digital storytelling are highlighted. Spanning theoretical perspectives and practical experiences from early childhood to higher education, this book consolidates findings from the Spanish R&D project, “Citizens with Critical Thinking: A Challenge for Teachers in Science Education.” It is an essential resource for educators, researchers, and practitioners, offering valuable insights and practical applications for all educational levels.