SCIENCE IN ADULT EDUCATION 



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3. The Aims of Science Teaching in Adult Education. 



The aims of science teaching in adult education may be briefly sum- 

 marised as follows : 



1. The study of science is a discipline which helps to develop a systematic, 

 accurate and objective inquiry into ascertained facts. In this way powers 

 of observation, criticism and diagnosis are promoted. 



2. It is a cultural activity that broadens the student's outlook and en- 

 courages him to seek an understanding of the fundamental facts of life. He 

 is thus led to co-ordinate and synthesise his knowledge. 



3. The use of scientific methods gives practice in clear thinking and 

 impartial judgment. 



4. The teaching of science provides knowledge likely to be of interest 

 throughout life, by giving a wider meaning to personal experience and to 

 the observation of natural phenomena, and a keener apprehension of the 

 general principles underlying the structure of our material environment. 

 In this sense a wise use of leisure is fostered. 



5. A student will be led to recognise the part played by science and 

 scientific achievement in moulding the society of to-day, and he will thus 

 acquire a fuller understanding of human activity and of the manifold 

 aspects of social development. 



6. By apprehending the impact of science on the life of the community, 

 a student will appreciate many of the forces that are continually re-shaping 

 the fabric of our social life. 



7. In realising the function of science as a co-operative enterprise of man- 

 kind, unhindered by racial or geographical frontiers, the student acquires 

 a sense of social solidarity which should assist in the removal of barriers 

 between nations and between different sections of society. 



The Committee consider that there will be general agreement with this 

 summary. Nevertheless they recognise that tutors and administrators 



