Recent Trends and Prospects in Curriculum Research and Development : Trends in Research on Science Education from the Point of View of Curriculum Research and Development

Abstract

The present paper explores trends in research on science education, based on the analysis of studies in The Bulletin of Japanese Curriculum Research and Development (1976-2003). Studies in the field of science education are classified into four groups based on the style of analysis: delimiting the subject; considering underlying issues for science education; discussing aims and content; and looking at methods and practice. The results revealed that practice and evaluation are necessary in order to devise a definite "teaching-learning" curriculum for character building.