Using of Science Technology Society and Environment Approach to Improve Scientific Literacy of Grade 11 Students in Plant Growth and Development
Kultida Chanapimuk (a*), Sureeporn Sawangmek (a), Pranee Nangngam (b)

a)Faculty of Education, Naresuan University, Tha Pho, Meueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
*Kultidach59[at]email.nu.ac.th
b)Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Tha Pho, Meueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand

Abstract

The environmental issues surrounding agrochemical products include serious health and ecological problems facing people today. Scientific literacy is necessary for students to understand scientific knowledge and get ready for the future world. Therefore, this action research aims to promote scientific literacy, in the area of plant growth using the Science, Technology, Society and Environment (STSE) approach that consists of 4 steps: 1) motivation; 2) exploration; 3) brainstorming; and 4) decision making. The participants are 35 special program in Biology students in grade 11. The PISA-like test and worksheets were used to collect data. Content analysis and triangulation were used to indicate the development of the scientific literacy. The findings show that the students have better scientific literacy and higher competencies in explaining phenomena scientifically, evaluating and designing scientific inquiry and interpreting data and evidence scientifically. This study strongly suggests that the exploration process within the real situation significantly supports students in developing scientific literacy.

Keywords: scientific literacy; Science, Technology, Society and Environment (STSE) approach; Plant growth and development

Topic: 5. Biology Education