Despite advances in discussions about the nature of science, there is still a paucity of discussion on the ontological dimension of science in science education research that makes it difficult to defend its content and teaching. In this article, the reasons for trusting science and science education are analyzed through three arguments. The first…

Scientific integrity, proper research conduct and avoiding research misconduct including plagiarism, fabrication and falsification, are all essential to all disciplines. Since research experience is a recommended skill to gain during undergraduate education, undergraduate students need to be aware of research misconduct in order to avoid it. This…

The way faith is formed depends upon the zeitgeist, the spirit of the age. Faith formation cannot happen in a vacuum. It is shaped and informed by all that is happening. In our time, the COVID-19 pandemic is happening. In this essay I reflect on faith formation amid the zeitgeist of the Coronavirus, considering ways that the pandemic requires…

Science appears to be coming under increasing pressure in parts of society and the media, with an increase in 'fake news' and less regard for 'experts'. If this is to be combatted, it is important that students develop a good understanding of both the big conceptual ideas of science and the nature of science itself. This understanding will mean…

There has never been a more pressing need for students to learn how to evaluate scientific information online than during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information, misinformation, and disinformation spread quickly across online news and social media platforms. This misleading or incorrect scientific information about infectious diseases could lead to…

The establishment of the Central Observation Institute in Mol in 1913 marks the introduction of scientific expertise in Belgium's youth delinquency policy. The child at risk was subjected to a series of observations, resulting in an observation report ('waarnemingsverslag') that contained the psychological, moral and physical characteristics of…

For open-mindedness to be an Aristotelian personal virtue, its possession must make agents better off. Unfortunately, open-mindedness does not currently pay. The reasons include (1) "novelty glut" -- taking seriously even a tiny percentage of the worthwhile, available ideas would be overwhelming; and (2) "deception campaigns"…

This article describes a discussion-based approach for teaching college students to identify the characteristics of ethical journalism and scholarly writing, by comparing fake news with credible information in a strategically planned slideshow. Much has been written on the need to instruct our students about disinformation. This librarian shares a…

The textbook is an essential individual studying and learning tool which helps the student gain insight into the theoretical system as well as the practical issues of a particular field of study. It can also raise interest in and develop a commitment to a discipline with the aid of appropriate tasks and exercises. However, most importantly, the…