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NSTA Position Statement:
International Science Education and the National Science Teachers Association
Introductory Remarks
The Global Nature of our culture and existence becomes more apparent almost continuously. No longer can isolationism and ethnocentrism take precedence over concern for our planet and, ultimately, our own life quality and survival. Science and education can play a key role in developing such global awareness that leads to appropriate understanding, attitude, and action.
Students must come to see themselves, their learning, and their past and future in a context which includes the entire spectrum of life on earth. Citizens educated in this manner should develop historical and cultural perspective, leading to mutual respect and mutual understanding of the ideas of others.
Declarations
To provide appropriate classroom environments for such learning, our teachers must be educated and informed such that they view themselves, their students, and teaching and learning in a global context. To encourage this:
- NSTA should promote formal partnerships and exchanges with other science teachers and among science teacher associations and organizations worldwide.
- NSTA should promote international conferences, seminars, and sessions fostering global awareness of issues, ideas, and trends in science education;
- NSTA should promote multi-cultural education;
- NSTA should encourage global exchange of information related to science teaching and learning.
—Adopted by the Board of Directors
July 1996