PHYSICS EDUCATION IN CULTURAL CONTEXT: ISSUES, APPROACHES, AND PERSPECTIVES

Physics and physics education do not take place in a cultural vacuum, but rather within a geographical, historical, and social context. As “culture shock” is confronted when visiting other countries, students are forced to challenge a “cultural border-crossing” when they encounter the new culture of physicists while studying physics. Therefore, a more foundational and microscopic insight about culture is necessary when debating new issues, approaches, and visions related to the physics curriculum, instruction, and support system. The first cultural aspect is related to the renovation of the curriculum to include the ‘physics culture’ in balance and eventual establishment of a new culture. The second is related to learning and teaching in a cultural context, and the inclusion of “cultural validity” in assessment. The third is related to the issues, approaches, and future of a multi-cultural approach, as opposed to standardization, for the national curriculum and science education standards