scholarly journals Understanding COVID-19 Pandemic through Science, Technology and Society (STS) Education: A Textual Analysis of Student Reflection Papers

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Textual Analysis ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Technology And Society ◽  
General Education Curriculum ◽  
Science Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic calls for educators to deliver learning experiences that are relevant in order to empower students to adapt to these unprecedented times. Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary social science course included in the undergraduate general education curriculum in the Philippines that can potentially be designed to help students make sense of the coronavirus crisis. This study aims to describe the insights on the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate students enrolled in STS classes through the textual analysis of their reflection papers. A total of 74 reflection papers were qualitatively textually analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) appreciation of the science and medical community; (2) sensitivity to the barriers of scientific progress during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) gaining social consciousness about the impacts of the pandemic, and; (4) enrichment of critical thinking and social engagement. Educators are encouraged to incorporate STS approaches in their lessons to foster students’ critical understanding of current socio-scientific issues.

`Dear Professor Dyson': Twenty years of correspondence between Freeman Dyson and undergraduate students

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (07) ◽  
pp. 1460002
Author(s):  
Dwight E. Neuenschwander
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Technology And Society ◽  
Academic Majors ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Freeman Dyson ◽  
A Priority ◽  
Student Reflections ◽  
The Universe

For twenty years the students in my "Science, Technology, and Society" course, where we use Disturbing the Universe as a textbook, have corresponded with Professor Dyson. That someone of Professor Dyson's standing consistently makes a priority of promptly answering the letters of undergraduate students from all academic majors, and does so with grace and kindness, insight and wisdom, offers a personal glimpse into his character and integrity. On behalf of my students, and as a way of publicly thanking Professor Dyson for participating in our course conversations, I am honored to share samples of our correspondence with him over the years, including student reflections on his involvement in their education.

Science, Technology and Society

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Bridgstock ◽  
David Burch ◽  
John Forge ◽  
John Laurent ◽  
Ian Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Technology And Society ◽  
Science Technology

Fostering Persistence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Creating an Equitable Environment That Addresses the Needs of Undergraduate Students

2022 ◽  
pp. 152102512110735
Author(s):  
Jennifer Louten
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Student Retention ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Real World ◽  
Hispanic Students ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Stem Students ◽  
And Mathematics

Student retention is a critical issue for universities, and nearly half of the students who start degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) do not complete them. The current study tracks the progress of STEM students taking part in an entry-to-graduation program designed to build community, provide academic and social support, and promote engagement in academically purposeful activities. Although it had no effect on the number of students who changed their major, the program more than doubled the number of students who graduated in their original major. Black or Hispanic students taking part in the program also graduated at twice the rate of comparator students, largely attributable to the success of women in these groups. The results provide needed real-world insights into how to create an equitable environment that promotes the persistence and graduation of students, including those from groups historically underrepresented in STEM.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document