Changing the chemistry curriculum at secondary level : opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The science curricula in Malta, have for years focused mainly on scientific knowledge. In addition, high stakes national examinations tend to encourage teaching to the test and teacher-centred instruction tends to predominate in many science classrooms. The chemistry programme, for example, presents the subject in a rather fragmented way that is abstract, encourages memorization and is irrelevant to students’ everyday lives. In 2012 a new National Curriculum Framework was published in Malta. This led to the development of a Learning Outcomes Framework for the different school subjects up to compulsory school age including a new programme for chemistry. The new programme is organized around five themes and aims to provide students and teachers with time and space to engage with the subject, encourages student-centred learning and includes practical work as an integral part of the programme. As for all educational reforms, teachers will be key players in the proposed change. This paper reports a study that investigated teachers’ views about the proposed programme, challenges envisaged and support required in its implementation. Teachers regarded the change as an improvement due to the shift of focus on to students’ learning and the attempts to make the subject less abstract and more relevant. Yet there were many concerns about its implementation in particular school settings and about whether the new programme would have to fit in the current timeframe and assessment system centred around high stakes examinations. It is important to ensure that policies, especially assessment policies, support the proposed changes and that teachers are given the required support. This will increase the likelihood of successful implementation.