Science lives: school choices and 'natural tendencies'

Salehjee, S. and Watts, M. (2015) Science lives: school choices and 'natural tendencies'. International Journal of Science Education, 37(4), pp. 727-743. (doi: 10.1080/09500693.2015.1013075)

Abstract

An analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews with university-based scientists and non-scientists illustrates their life journeys towards, or away from, science and the strengths and impact of life occurrences leading them to choose science or non-science professions. We have adopted narrative approaches and used Mezirow's transformative learning theory framework. The areas of discussion from the result have stressed on three main categories that include ‘smooth transition’, ‘incremental wavering transition' and ‘transformative transition’. The article concludes by discussing the key influences that shaped initial attitudes and direction in these people through natural inclination, environmental inspirations and perceptions of science.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Transformative learning theory, scientists, non-scientists, narrative, attitude.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Salehjee, Dr Saima
• Authors: Salehjee, S., and Watts, M.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: International Journal of Science Education
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0950-0693
• ISSN (Online): 1464-5289
• Published Online: 09 March 2015
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Science Education 37(4): 727-743
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License