Co-ordinated science : a case study of a curriculum innovation

Abstract

Co-ordinated Science has been mentioned in the new National Minimum Curriculum and this classifies it as a curriculum innovation in science. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the process by which this innovation has and will continue to be introduced in our educational system. The recommendations suggested by the curriculum were investigated and a study was designed to analyse whether these suggestions are adequate or whether more emphasis needs to be placed on particular areas. The study has managed to identify various weaknesses in the present science curriculum and we have managed to provide interesting suggestions that can be included in the new science curriculum. Maltese students did not fare well when compared to foreign students, using released questions by the IEA' s Third International Mathematics and Science Study and thus we must work to ensure that an improvement in the level of local science education is obtained.