Springer Imaginative Science Education: The Central Role of Imagination in Science Education

This book is about imaginative approaches to teaching and learning school science. Its central premise is that science learning should reflect the nature of science, and therefore be approached as an imaginative/creative activity.  As such, the book can be seen as an original contribution of ideas relating to imagination and creativity in science education.The approaches discussed in the book are storytelling, the experience of wonder, the development of ‘romantic understanding’, and creative science, including science through visual art, poetry and dramatization. However, given the perennial problem of how to engage students (of all ages) in science, the notion of ‘aesthetic experience’, and hence the possibility for students to have more holistic and fulfilling learning experiences through the aforementioned imaginative approaches, is also discussed.Each chapter provides an in-depth discussion of the theoretical background of a specific imaginative approach (e.g., storytelling, ‘wonder-full’ science), reviews the existing empirical evidence regarding its role in the learning process, and points out its implications for pedagogy and instructional practices. Examples from physical science illustrating its implementation in the classroom are also discussed.In distinguishing between ‘participation in a science activity’ and ‘engagement with science ideas per se’, the book emphasizes the central role of imaginative engagement with science content knowledge, and thus the potential of the recommended imaginative approaches to attract students to the world of science. Review This book illuminates a methodology that will facilitate science learning for many students. Incorporating imagination into the teaching-learning process provides a useful tool to teachers and science educators. The book, although not a teacher's guide, presents a mechanism which will enable teachers to increase student engagement. The author shares in-depth insights about imagination in pedagogical applications with illustrative examples. The book is innovative and practical. Dr. Greg Stefanich, Regents Professor EmeritusUniversity of Northern Iowa With this book Yannis Hadzigeorgiou confirms his reputation as one of the most original and profound thinkers about science education and science pedagogy. His theoretical originality goes hand in hand with his groundbreaking research projects, which in turn are reflected in his practical work in applying his ideas in everyday classrooms. From theory to practice and back again, this book will reward careful educators.Kieran EganProfessorSimon Fraser University Review                               This book illuminates a methodology that will facilitate science learning for many students. Incorporating imagination into the teaching-learning process provides a useful tool to teachers and science educators. The book, although not a teacher's guide, presents a mechanism which will enable teachers to increase student engagement.  The author shares in-depth insights about imagination in pedagogical applications with illustrative examples.  The book is innovative and practical. Dr. Greg Stefanich, Regents Professor EmeritusUniversity of Northern Iowa  With this book Yannis Hadzigeorgiou confirms his reputation as one of the most original and profound thinkers about science education and science pedagogy. His theoretical originality goes hand in hand with his groundbreaking research projects, which in turn are reflected in his practical work in applying his ideas in everyday classrooms. From theory to practice and back again, this book will reward careful educators.Kieran EganProfessorSimon Fraser University                                                      From the Back Cover This book is about imaginative approaches to teaching and learning school science. Its central premise is that science learning should reflect the nature of science, and therefore be approached