This book explores the evidence for paradigm shifts in the context of science education. The articles draw attention to areas where there is a perceived need for a paradigm shift in post-Soviet countries if science education is to meet the goal of enhancing scientific literacy. Estonia, as an example of a faster developing country from those in the post-Soviet block, recognised the need to change its System when the economy allowed. Its first focus was in the area of technology. It was seen as vital to generate interest towards science for students studying in compulsory education. Inevitably scientific thinking plays an important role in the development of a society, and where post-Soviet countries are part of the European Union they also will need to see an important role of school science in preparing adults for a knowledge-based society. The paradigm shifts are thus seen in this light.

"This book comprises a wide range of scholarly essays introducing readers to key topics and issues in science education. Science education has become a well established field in its own right, with a vast literature, and many active areas of scholarship. Science Education: An International Course Companion offers an entry point for students seeking a sound but introductory understanding of the key perspectives and areas of thinking in science education. Each account is self-contained and offers a scholarly and research-informed introduction to a particular topic, theme, or perspective, with both citations to key literature and recommendations for more advanced reading. Science Education: An International Course Companion allows readers (such as those preparing for school science teaching, or seeking more advanced specialist qualifications) to obtain a broad familiarity with key issues across the field as well as guiding wider reading about particular topics of interest. The book therefore acts as a reader to support learning across courses in science education internationally. The broad coverage of topics is such that that the book will support students following a diverse range of courses and qualifications. The comprehensive nature of the book will allow course leaders and departments to nominate the book as the key reader to support students – their core ‘course companion’ in science education."

This edited volume focuses on the reform and research of STEM education from international perspectives considering the sociocultural perspectives of different educational contexts. It shows the impact of political and cultural contexts on the reform of science education.

The UAE's successive breakthroughs in development since its establishment by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul in peace) are a result of the country's continuous effort to enhance its education sector. Due to the global impact of rapid technological developments, the UAE understands the imperative need to advance and modernize education, to prepare its citizens for the demands of the future labor market. The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) is committed to supporting the vision and strategies of our wise leadership so that they may be realized on the ground. As education plays a vital role in achieving the UAE’s current goals of sustainable development, the ECSSR organized the 9th Annual Education Conference, ‘Advanced Education in a Changing World: The Education Strategy of the United Arab Emirates’. This book documents the proceedings of the Conference. Chapter one discusses the topic of leadership and innovative education, demonstrating some of its models and future trends. Chapter two looks at how the human brain functions, and ways that optimal educational opportunities can be provided to meet future requirements locally and internationally. Chapter three explores methods to prevent bullying through mentoring and counselling sessions, and provides an in-depth analysis of some measures that have been developed and adopted in this regard. Chapter four examines the Australian model of education with a focus on recent developments in the Australian educational context, efforts to establish professional standards for teachers, and teaching professional assessment instruments to measure graduating teachers’ attainment of standards. The chapter also highlights the Australian examination system, and its impact on the teaching profession. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some of the consequences of the above in the context of the educational experience in the United Arab Emirates. Chapter five sheds light on the German education system, with a particular focus on its outcomes and achievements, as well as the challenges facing it. The chapter also explores a number of implications for continuous development and strategic planning for the future, in order to design, develop and implement an innovative educational system.

Science Education: A Global Perspective is ‘global’ both in content and authorship. Its 17 chapters by an assemblage of seasoned and knowledgeable science educators from many parts of the world seek to bring to the fore current developments in science education and their implications. The book thus covers a wide range of topics in science education from various national and international perspectives. These include the nature of science, science and religion, evolution, curriculum and pedagogy, context-based teaching and learning, science and national development, socially-responsible science education, equitable access for women and girls in science and technology education, and the benefits of science education research. It ends on an optimistic note by looking at science education in 50 years’ time with a recommendation, among others, for stakeholders to take the responsibility of preparing children towards a blossoming science education sector in an anticipated future world. This book is suitable for use by discerning researchers, teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students in science education, and policy makers at all levels of education. Other educationalists and personnel in science and technology vocations will also find it interesting and useful as the reader-motivated approach has guided the presentation of ideas. Science Education: A Global Perspective is a rich compendium of the components of science education in context, practice, and delivery. Dr Bulent Cavas, Professor of Science Education, Dokuz Eylul Univerity, Buca-Izmir, Turkey/President-Elect, International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) This book will be of immense relevance for current and future global strides in training and research in science education. Surinder K. Ghai, Chairman, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India This book provides a refreshing insight into the current status and future direction of science education. It will be very useful to researchers, those pursuing undergraduate and post-graduate courses in science education, and all other personnel involved in the policy and practice of science education. Dr. Bennoit Sossou, Director/Country Representative, UNESCO Regional Office in Abuja, Nigeria

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Web-Based Learning, ICWL 2017, held in Cape Town, South Africa, in September 2017. The 13 revised full papers presented together with 9 short papers and 3 poster papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 56 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on Inquiry-Based Learning and Gamification; Learning Analytics; Social Media and Web 2.0-based Learning Environments; Assessment and Accessibility in Higher Education; Open Educational Resources and Recommender Systems; and Practice and Experience Sharing.