STS and Science Education Series:
David Waddington

Assistant Professor of Educational Studies, and Director of the Learning for Life Center
Department of Education, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada

Monday, May 10, 2010*

LECTURE
"Touchstone or Albatross? The Progressive Roots of STS Education"
1:30pm – 2:30 in 267 Teacher Education Building

Lecture Abstract:
There is a tendency to think that STS is an educational idea that has relatively recent origins. Although this may be true in terms of the nomenclature, the fact remains that what we would today recognize as STS was a central interest for elements of the progressive education movement, perhaps most notably John Dewey. These early efforts to address STS concerns offer worthwhile insights that deserve a closer look. A re-evaluation of the progressive movement's approach to STS may highlight both interesting contemporary possibilities as well as certain pitfalls to avoid.


David Waddington's ongoing research interests include John Dewey's educational thought, the history of progressive education, and philosophical issues surrounding science and technology in education. He has published articles on technology in education, including Heidegger's philosophy of technology and the ethics of violent video games, and he has also written several articles on John Dewey's work.

*Originally scheduled for April 19th