Scientific literacy education: Reflections from Fiji

Scientific literacy education is undermined in literacy education in Fiji. Despite being a critical component of literacy education, scientific literacy is given lip service in the primary school curriculum. Scientific literacy is a critical 21st century skill for all citizens. This conceptual paper argues for an explicit emphasis on scientific literacy education in primary schools. Literacy definitions in some policy documents are explored and critically appraised in relation to scientific literacy needs. The paper further suggests an integrated approach to teaching through the use of quality texts in order to advance scientific literacy development in Fiji especially in the lower primary. The discussions in this paper has policy and research implications relevant to literacy education in Fiji and other jurisdiction, especially in developing contexts