The University of Jember, through the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, held a Public Lecture titled “Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities of Research and Publication about Integrated STEM Education: Socio-Scientific Issues,” featuring Prof. Troy D. Sadler, Ph.D., from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems at UNEJ, Prof. Bambang Kuswandi, held at the University of Jember’s Rectorate Building on Tuesday.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Bambang Kuswandi stated that the presence of an expert from the United States could offer opportunities for research collaboration, “This public lecture on socio-scientific issues is very beneficial for both students and the institution. Furthermore, during the two-day agenda, there will be a workshop on article writing, which raises great hope for improving the quality and quantity of our publications.”
Prof. Troy, an expert in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and the integration of social issues, stated, “The concept and methods of integrating social issues into science education are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s educational world. This is crucial for helping educators develop students’ critical and analytical skills and preparing them to face global challenges.”
The professor, who is also involved in Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) learning, explained that the Covid-19 pandemic serves as an example of why SSI-based teaching is so important. The classroom should be a place where students explore complex issues, such as the pandemic, and how STEM ideas can be used to inform social solutions and personal decision-making.
He also invited researchers, lecturers, academics, and even students from the University of Jember to collaborate on research with the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST), where he serves as an expert. (Source: https://unej.ac.id/blog/2024/08/28/fkip-unej-datangkan-profesor-dari-university-of-north-carolina-bahas-tren-socio-scientific-issues/)