SENCER in Theory and Practice An Introduction and Orientation

摘要

SENCER stands for "Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities"—a multidimensional faculty development and curriculum reform program established in 2001 and supported with funds from the US National Science Foundation. SENCER works to improve STEM learning by teaching "through" complex, capacious unsolved matters of civic consequence "to" the canonical STEM disciplinary material deemed essential to a student's education and life-long participation in a democracy. In this chapter, the director and co-founder of the SENCER project provides background and history of the project, articulates project aims and the SENCER ideals, describes SENCER's programs, activities, and the community of practice that SENCER nurtures to bring these ideals to life, and situates the project in the context of emerging challenges for STEM education and democratic practice.