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Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Socioscientific Issues: A Study of Indonesian Pre-Service Biology Teachers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In Indonesia, fostering scientific literacy is a central goal of the science curriculum, yet effective instructional approaches have remained a challenge. Socioscientific issue ( SSI )-based instruction offers a promising method for enhancing students’ engagement and reasoning skills. To explore how pre-service teachers adopt this approach, this study engaged 45 pre-service biology teachers in an 8-week SSI teaching-oriented course. Data from lesson videos, reflections, and instructional materials were analyzed using the Socioscientific Issues Observation Protocol ( SSI-OP ). Quantitative findings revealed variation in teachers’ implementation of SSI -based instruction, with strengths in classroom engagement but challenges in instructional planning, argumentation, and integrating science content with social dimensions. Qualitative analysis highlighted difficulties in assessment and resource development. These results offer practical insights for science teacher educators, emphasizing the need for structured training in SSI pedagogy to better prepare teachers for integrating socioscientific discussions into school science curricula.

Source: Asia-Pacific Science Education

Authors: Faisal, B. Nurhayati, Arifah Novia Arifin, Sonya N. Martin

Institutions: State University of Makassar, Seoul National University

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,180

Funder: Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan