In this article, we consider how assessment might reinforce New Zealand curriculum goals of knowing and doing in science for active and informed participation in societies that rely on scientific knowledge to guide decision making. This focus constitutes an orientation towards "sustainable assessment". Sustainable assessment encompasses…

The globalized nature of modern society has generated a number of pressures that impact internationally on countries' policies and practices of science education. Among these pressures are key issues of health and environment confronting global science, global economic control through multi-national capitalism, comparative and competitive…

A general theme of technology education posits that participation in technology studies will result in outcomes and benefits for the wider society. Such an expectation is reflected in the New Zealand Technology Curriculum document where the aim of technology education includes enabling students "to achieve technological literacy through the…

The formal introduction of technology into the New Zealand curriculum and educational objectives related to creating the "knowledge society" raise philosophical questions about the nature or essence of technology, the identity of the self, and implications for Maori and their beliefs in the intertwined relationships of humans and all…

This paper considers the sources and education of an adequate supply of technicians to ensure New Zealand's technological future. It deals with such questions as the source of technicians, and what their learning experiences and outcomes should be. Included in the paper are specific sections dealing with: (1) "Authority for Advanced…

The key to New Zealand's future prosperity lies in the promotion of science and technology. Two major issues are identified: (1) the need to close the scientific and technological manpower gap that is increasingly being experienced; and (2) the need for a re-organized system of vocational education. The implications for teaching and learning in…