International Science and Technology Education: Exploring Culture, Economy and Social Perceptions

Education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is crucial for taking advantage of the prospects of new scientific discoveries initiating or promoting technological changes, and managing opportunities and risks associated with innovations. This book explores the emerging perspectives and methodologies of STEM education and its relationship to the cultural understanding of science and technology in an international context.

The authors provide a unique perspective on the subject, presenting materials and experiences from non-European industrialized as well as industrializing countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Egypt, Brazil and the USA. The chapters offer a wide scope of interpretations and comparative reviews of STEM education by including narrative elements about cultural developments, considering the influence of culture and social perceptions on technological and social change, and applying innovative tools of qualitative social research.

The book represents a comprehensive and multidisciplinary review of the current status and future challenges facing STEM education across the world, including issues such as globalization, interdependencies of norms and values, effects on equity and social justice as well as resilience. Overall the volume provides valuable insights for a broad and comprehensive international comparison of STEM philosophies, approaches and experiences.

Ortwin Renn is Professor and Chair of Environmental Sociology and Technology Assessment at Stuttgart University, Germany, member of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, and was Spokesperson of the Interdisciplinary Research Group TECHcultures until December 2014.

Nicole C. Karafyllis is Professor of Philosophy of Science and Technology at the Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany, and was Deputy Spokesperson of the Interdisciplinary Research Group TECHcultures at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities until December 2014.

Andreas Hohlt was Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Research Group TECHcultures at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Germany until December 2014.

Dorothea Taube was research associate for the Interdisciplinary Research Group TECHcultures at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Germany until December 2014.