A glimpse of ICASE World Conference 2007
(Part 5)
The fourth day of the World Conference 2007 (11th July 2007) began with the third keynote address by Professor Barnabas Otaala from the University of Namibia. He outlined the heart-rending detail the HIV-AIDS challenge confronting the Sub-Saharan African region. He noted that ‘AIDS is turning the clock back on development. In too many countries the gains in life expectancy won are being wiped out. In too many countries more teachers are dying each week that can be trained…’ (James Wolfensen, World Bank President, 2000) Professor Otaala described some of the research work that had uncovered the attitudes, behaviours and misconceptions that were common-place among secondary students. Overlaying these values were the values and cultural practices that needed to be recognized in any program to engender behavioral and attitudinal change. The solution as he pointed very strongly, will involve three elements: education, education and education. The keynote revealed a problem of extraordinary complexity and seriousness; one questioner even pointed out that the issue of HIV-AIDS challenge is on our doorstep too.
The day continued with more parallel sessions and a slot of mind-boggling event, that is, the Facilitated Discussion for issues set for the ICASE Assembly 2007. All delegates were invited to discuss the issues, problems and priorities for the 21st Century of Science Education. More than 25 groups were gathered to come up with five common issues shared by all delegates, which includes teachers’ continuing professional development and students’ interests in science. The discussion continues the following day to put forward the Perth Declaration on Science and Technology Education.
The day ended with Poster Presentations by participants and International Interactions, followed by the Western Australia Happy Hour and Trade Displays in Golden Ballroom.
“The joy of discovery is certainly the liveliest that the mind of man can ever feel.”
Claude Bernard (1813 – 1878) French Physiologist
(Part 5)
The fourth day of the World Conference 2007 (11th July 2007) began with the third keynote address by Professor Barnabas Otaala from the University of Namibia. He outlined the heart-rending detail the HIV-AIDS challenge confronting the Sub-Saharan African region. He noted that ‘AIDS is turning the clock back on development. In too many countries the gains in life expectancy won are being wiped out. In too many countries more teachers are dying each week that can be trained…’ (James Wolfensen, World Bank President, 2000) Professor Otaala described some of the research work that had uncovered the attitudes, behaviours and misconceptions that were common-place among secondary students. Overlaying these values were the values and cultural practices that needed to be recognized in any program to engender behavioral and attitudinal change. The solution as he pointed very strongly, will involve three elements: education, education and education. The keynote revealed a problem of extraordinary complexity and seriousness; one questioner even pointed out that the issue of HIV-AIDS challenge is on our doorstep too.
The day continued with more parallel sessions and a slot of mind-boggling event, that is, the Facilitated Discussion for issues set for the ICASE Assembly 2007. All delegates were invited to discuss the issues, problems and priorities for the 21st Century of Science Education. More than 25 groups were gathered to come up with five common issues shared by all delegates, which includes teachers’ continuing professional development and students’ interests in science. The discussion continues the following day to put forward the Perth Declaration on Science and Technology Education.
The day ended with Poster Presentations by participants and International Interactions, followed by the Western Australia Happy Hour and Trade Displays in Golden Ballroom.
“The joy of discovery is certainly the liveliest that the mind of man can ever feel.”
Claude Bernard (1813 – 1878) French Physiologist
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