Improving schools' science education, communication

A needs analysis conducted among science teachers in state, Church and private schools in 2006 showed that many science teachers have long felt the need for better communication between science educators at various levels.

The Maltese Association of Science Educators (Mase) was set up in March 2006 and officialy launched on October 26 of that year. Its mission statement is 'to stimulate and improve the teaching of science in Malta, to coordinate the activities of its members, and to disseminate information related to science teaching'.

Mase seeks to be an efficient link between all science teachers, to arouse interest and support for science education collaboratively and proactively throughout society, to promote the advancement of science education in Malta, to foster educational, professional, social and cultural interest among its members, and to provide and expand professional development to support standards-based science education.

It also aims to serve as the voice for excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Over the past three years it has held various activities including two seminars entitled 'The way forward - Coordinated Science?', and 'Matsec: A good assessment system?'. Various visits to companies have been held, including Actavis and Lufthansa Technic. A nature walk at the Majjistral Nature and Heritage park was held, besides social activities for members, families and friends.

Mase uses various means to promote better communication between its members: it has its own website www.masemalta.com; it is on Facebook, and has its own newsletter, which in collaboration with the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE) will soon start to be distributed in all schools. The association is also working to set up a library with science educational resources and to launch a set of DVDs to promote science education among primary and secondary school students.