Challenges to STS education: Implications for science teacher education

As future citizens, students must make decisions requiring an understanding of the interaction of science and technology and its interface with society. STS edu-cation has been strongly identified with meeting this goal, but putting theory into practice has so far been dif-ficult. This article asks, “What are the challenges influ-encing science teachers to implement STS education in the science classroom? ” The author investigated using a mixed method research technique incorporating mul-tiple sources of qualitative and quantitative data (ques-tionnaire, interviews, field notes, and classroom observations). Constraints affecting teachers ’ practices in teaching science through STS education were identi-fied and can be categorized into impersonal, interper-sonal, and personal constraints. Findings indicated interactions within and between external and internal constraints. Suggestions are made for implementing change in various aspects of science teacher education