The development of science teaching in government secondary schools in Malta since 1946

Abstract

This work is a study of the development of science education in Maltese Secondary Government Schools since 1946. It is the purpose of this study to examine the nature and development of the teaching of science subjects, i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics and General/Integrated Science. This work has been limited to secondary schools, excluding sixth forms and trade/technical schools: areas which may lead to further studies. My first task was to give a brief description of science education before the Second World War, intending to show science educational development. The next period considered was from 1946 to the introduction of compulsory secondary education. This study was divided into two: pedagogical and curricular changes and science resources in schools. Next, I looked into the period 1970-1990, giving particular attention to the re-organisation in education which structured present day science education. Finally a study of training and qualifications of science teachers was found necessary, as well as a brief analysis of major policies which gave rise to these policies.