Dialogic Scientific Gatherings: The Promotion of Scientific Literacy Among Children

Abstract

The participation of citizens in democratic societies depends on their ability to understand scientific knowledge and apply it to everyday life situations. Thus, promoting scientific literacy from an early age should be among the main priorities in democratic societies. Dialogic Scientific Gatherings (DSGs) have successfully promoted scientific literacy among adults. This research intends to take a step forward in studying DSG implementation’s transferability in promoting scientific literacy in primary school children from a culturally diverse school placed in a low socioeconomic neighborhood in Spain. Drawing upon Communicative Methodology, this case study has collected data through semi-structured interviews and communicative observations. The results show that (1) DSG enhance scientific literacy, specifically instrumental learning, analytical and critical thinking and social abilities and (2) the promotion of scientific literacy has an impact on decision-making and participation in society. Furthermore, although this research is a case study implemented in one school, it shows that DSG can be transferred to a culturally diverse school.