Designing a mixed mode Masters module in Science Education to support shared construction of knowledge and critical reflection

Abstract

Foundations of Science Education is a core module in the Masters in Science Education course. The main purpose of this module is to promote critical reflection in the main aspects of science education incorporating teaching, learning, philosophy and policy. This paper reports on the purpose and development of a mixed-mode (blended) course in which online discussions and tasks complement and extend face to face teaching and discussions. It discusses how the re-structured module is designed to support the construction of knowledge and critical review of that knowledge through the dimensions of shared practice. Most of the course participants are science educators, mainly London-based but with some international students, and the course draws on their growing theoretical knowledge in combination with shared experiences. In this paper we discuss the possibilities and constraints of the course design.