Elevers upplevelser av ett SNI-fall och dess betydelse för elevers roll som demokratiska samhällsmedborgare

Students' experiences of an SSI and the perceived significance for their roles as democratic citizens

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of Swedish upper secondary school chemistry students working with a socioscientific issue about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in everyday products, and how they perceive that this teaching has influenced them in their role as citizens in a democratic society. Data collection has been carried out on several occasions over a period of one and a half year after the teaching event, and data includes answers from questionnaires and focus-group interviews. The results show that the students are able to view the issue from different perspectives and to understand the inherent complexity. The results also suggest that the students developed their critical thinking skills and awareness as consumers. Furthermore, students report to have developed an interest in environmental issues and a feeling that they have opportunities to make a difference. These aspects constitute important conditions for active citizenship and informed decision-making.