Formation of radiation literacy of future science teachers in the process of studying safety disciplines

Author(s):

  • Tymoshchuk Oleksandr Stanislavovych, ORCID: 0000-0002-4367-4692

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2307-9770.2024.12.03.04

Paper Language: UKR

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Abstract

The development of radiation and nuclear technologies requires a rethinking of approaches to public safety education. The erroneous identification of radiation literacy only with specialists working with radiation sources ignores the need to develop radiation literacy in the general public. Given the significant share of nuclear power in Ukraine and military threats, radiation literacy is of strategic importance. The key role in this context belongs to science teachers, who, thanks to their knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology, can explain radiation-related phenomena in an accessible way and form the scientific outlook of schoolchildren. However, current teacher training does not fully meet the current requirements for radiation literacy. Studies have revealed gaps in teachers' knowledge, which affects the appropriate training of schoolchildren. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comprehensive research and analysis of the process of acquiring the required level of radiation literacy by future science teachers when studying safety disciplines (covering life safety and occupational safety). The study is based on the analysis of educational programs, scientific publications and uses the methods of documentation analysis, literature, meta-synthesis and comparison. The analysis showed that fundamental knowledge is laid down in compulsory disciplines, but the safety aspect is often insufficient. The traditional approach to safety disciplines has been weakened, which has led to a decrease in the competence of graduates. The analysis of the syllabuses revealed fragmented information on radiation safety and lack of elaboration of important components. It is important for teachers to understand radiation risk, effects, protective equipment, exposure standards and radiation exposure in various fields. It is also important to know about radiotoxicity, half-life and types of radiation. It is necessary to consistently address aspects of radiation literacy within different disciplines. For improvement, it is proposed to integrate best international practices, ensure continuity in the study of disciplines where basic sciences precede safety sciences, and use interdisciplinary links. The discussion highlights the need to improve radiation literacy, given Ukraine's experience and current threats. It is proposed to increase the scope of safety disciplines, integrate aspects of radiation literacy, apply a transdisciplinary approach and innovative teaching technologies, and cooperate with scientific institutions.

Keywords

radiation safety, radiation literacy, future teacher, science teacher, bachelor of secondary education, life safety, occupational safety and health

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