Report of an expert group meeting: Popularising scientific and technological culture in the Caribbean

Abstract

This paper uses scientific literacy as an organizing element to examine students’ exposure to science (mainly natural sciences) in the Caribbean. It draws on definitions and applications of scientific literacy, and attempts to illustrate the connection between cognitive skills and the type of science curriculum with which students interact. Special attention is paid to the organization of the primary science curriculum in the member countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the attempts of science educators at popularizing science in the sub-region. The paper also deals with the evaluation of student performance in science at both the primary and secondary school levels, and discusses a teacher education programme in science in an OECS country. There is also a brief review of curriculum and teacher development efforts in the Eastern Caribbean.