A review of the existing literature on globalization of science curricula

Abstract

Given the extensive nature of globalization and its wide-ranging impact, the review of the literature on the effect of globalization on science education and science curricula was restricted to three particular aspects. Firstly, identifying the factors that potentially contribute to the globalization of science education; secondly, exploring research evidence for the globalization of science curricula over time; and thirdly, analyzing the approaches and methods that have been used in previous research studies to empirically investigate the globalization of curricula. A wide range of factors were identified as promoting the globalization of science education and curricula, including the growing use of information technologies and the increasing influence of intergovernmental organizations in education. However, regional and local cultural factors may counteract globalization to some extent. The literature review identified some evidence for globalization of science curricula over time; the impacts of international large-scale assessments, such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), may have driven changes and reforms in the science curricula of many participating countries. The literature revealed that a number of both qualitative and quantitative methods had been used to investigate globalization of curricula over time, and the advantages and drawbacks of each of the approaches were considered.