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Relativism, Values and Morals in the New Zealand Curriculum Framework

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Abstract

The New Zealand Curriculum Framework, 1993, is the official document for teaching, learning and assessment in New Zealand schools. It consists of a set of curriculum statements, which define the learning principles, achievement aims and essential skills for seven learning areas. It also indicates the place of attitudes and values in the school curriculum. This paper investigates the requirements for teaching attitudes, values and ethics in the curriculum statements for Science, Biology and Technology. The question is raised whether the teaching of skills for resolving moral and ethical dilemmas are required by the official education standards in New Zealand, and internationally.

The paper reports on a survey done on pre-service teacher trainees of their understanding of these requirements. Implications for courses that might need to be provided in future pre-service teacher education programmes are briefly discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Technology, Science and Mathematics Education, Massey University College of Education, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Lone Morris Jorgensen & Sue Ann Ryan

Authors
  1. Lone Morris Jorgensen
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  2. Sue Ann Ryan
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Morris Jorgensen, L., Ryan, S.A. Relativism, Values and Morals in the New Zealand Curriculum Framework. Science & Education 13, 223–233 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SCED.0000025565.96803.0c

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:SCED.0000025565.96803.0c

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