Contemporary efforts involving globalization and science teacher education

Abstract

Globalization has driven significant developments throughout the latter decades of the twentieth century and the early decades of the twenty-first century. Education and our schools, traditionally local institutions raising individuals to serve their local economies and nations, now confront the challenge of nurturing globally competent individuals (Zhao, J Teach Educ 61(5):422–431, 2010). Moreover, although globalization profoundly influences us, there remains a relative scarcity of examination of teacher education policies and a reevaluation of science education practices in this global context. This chapter delves into the concept of globalization and its repercussions for education. While globalization offers innovative approaches and practices to enhance education, it also harbors potential pitfalls. This chapter assesses both the beneficial initiatives and the detrimental impacts of globalization on students and teacher education discussed in the existing literature. It examines the influence of globalization on science education and its subsequent reforms. The chapter underscores the imperative to integrate local knowledge and culture with global trends, thereby equipping students for the present and future world characterized by transnational interconnectivity and mobility.