科学教育与国民素质的提升

On the advancement of science education and national quality

科学教育可有效提升国民素质,但目前科教科普仍然徘徊于低层次的阶段。要达成真正强民富国的理想、使世界人口最大的中华民族恢复足以表率各国、成为人类文明发展的新生力量,首先要清除进步的障碍,提高科学教育的观念与实践,发挥科学教育对国民智育体育及德育的重要功能。

Throughout the world educators and parents desire that their children excel in mathematics and science. National leaders view mathematics and science achievements of their citizens as a measure of their individual countr y's competitiveness. Scoring high in mathematics and science examinations has become an end in itself and a source of national pride. The author indicates in this essay that this standard fails to fulfill the mission of science and mathematics education. A higher examination score may give the student better opportunities for advanced education and employment and may increase his ability to perform technical tasks. However the pursuit of high test scores as the ultimate goal of science education has in fact limited the role of science education. The author suggests that science education could and should, in addition to teaching knowledge and technical skills, set a higher goal of introducing the learner to the history of scientific discovery and invention, to the method of scientific inquiry, and to the habit of reflective thinking. Through this means, future generations would be educated to be more objective and intelligent and less biased and prejudiced, and thus more competent, creative and ethical.