Integration of the scientific knowledge and the argumentation competence in decisions about socioscientific issues

Abstract

This research focuses on the integration among the skills of argumentation and the explanation of scientific phenomena, during decision making about vaccination. An analysis method has been developed adapting tools from the literature. The written productions and oral discussions made by 72 Elementary Preservice Teachers who took part in the activities have been analyzed. It can be observed that they have improved their competence for argumentation in several ways, and that those who expressed a more complex immune system model argue better. However, less than 30% have referred to the model in their arguments, 15% in the case of social repercussion decision making. It is concluded that the integration between the skills is improvable and that it is necessary to analyze what makes it difficult to use the scientific knowledge in the socioscientific decision makings.