MASTERCLASS VTS & SCIENCE EDUCATION

By Harald Raaijmakers

How do we approach the increasing number of students who experience science education as having little relevance to their own lives or future? How do we have a constructive conversation with people that deny climate change or with people that are against vaccination? These are questions that concern me as a biologist, as a high school teacher, as a museum educator and as a researcher in science education.

Science communication is often based on a form of knowledge transfer where those in 'the knowing' (teachers, scientists) transfer their knowledge to 'the ignorant' (pupils, the public). For many students, for citizens from low socio-economic classes and for sceptics who disqualify scientific results, this classic knowledge transmission model appears to be very ineffective. There is a need for (educational) situations with students and the public that allow for equal dialogue between science and the society in which it is embedded. I think that Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) can support such dialogue. 

In my dissertation at the University of Karlstad in Sweden entitled “Powerful eyes, imaginative minds” (2022), I describe my research on art-based education in 'socio-scientific issues'. VTS plays an important role as an applied teaching method, as a basis for educational development and as a theoretical framework for my study. During the masterclass “VTS and Science” I will explain my research and teaching practice in more detail and discuss the possible role of VTS. In conclusion, I would like to discuss with you the potential and pitfalls of art-based methods as a strategy for science education and communication.

Looking forward to meeting you,
Harald Raaijmakers

What is a masterclass?
During online Masterclasses VTS practicioners from the VTS community share how they work, think, explore and develop - inspired by VTS. They talk about their experiences, experiments and findings and engage with the participants of the Masterclass in their train of thought. It’s a mix of sharing, inspiring and meeting each other.

For whom
Anyone who did a VTS training and is interested in the subject is welcome.

Price
€ 40,- (Including VAT 21%)

Where and when
14th of January / 19.30-21.00 hrs / online on Zoom

Registration
> > > Click here to register for the masterclass < < <

Professional background Harald Raaijmakers

-    MSc biology, Utrecht University (1997-2004)
-    MSc biology education, Utrecht University (2006-2007)
-    Secondary school teacher in biology and general science. Johan van Oldenbarnevelt Gymnasium, Amersfoort (2007-2009)
-    Secondary school teacher in biology, chemistry and physiscs. International English School, Karlstad (2010-2011)
-    Secondary school teacher in biology, chemistry, physiscs, and mathematics. Fryxelska skolan, Sunne (2011-2017)
-    Educational project manager and museum educator. The Alma Löv Museum of unexp. Art, Sunne (2017-2022)
-    Licentiate exam (half dissertation) in biology didactics, Karlstad University, Karlstad (2018-2022) 
-    Lecturer biology didactics, Karlstad University, Karlstad (2023)
-    PhD student at the department of pedagogical, curricular and professional studies. University of Gothenburg (2023 - now)