content knowledge
), knowledge of how such ideas
are produced (
procedural knowledge
) and an
understanding of the underlying rationale for these
procedures and the justification for their use
(
epistemic knowledge
).
Competencies
The ability to explain phenomena scientifically,
evaluate and design scientific enquiry, and interpret
data and evidence scientifically.
Attitudes
A set of attitudes towards science indicated by an
interest in science and technology; valuing of scientific
approaches to enquiry, where appropriate, and a
perception and awareness of environmental issues.
31. Each of these aspects is now discussed further below.
125
Figure 1. Framework for PISA 2015 Scientific Literacy Assessment
126
Contexts for Assessment Items
32. PISA 2015 will assess important scientific knowledge using contexts that raise issues and
choices that are relevant to the science education curricula of participating countries. Such
contexts will not, however, be restricted to the common aspects of p
articipants’ national curricula.
Rather, the assessment will require evidence of the successful use of the three competencies
required for scientific literacy in important situations reflecting personal, local, national and global
contexts.
33. Assessment items will not be limited to school science contexts. In the PISA 2015 scientific
literacy assessment, the focus of the items will be on situations relating to the self, family and peer
groups (personal), to the community (local and national), and to life across the world (global).
Technology based topics may be used as a common context. Also, appropriate to some topics are
historical contexts which may be used to assess students’ understanding of the processes and
practices that are involved in advancing scientific knowledge.
34. Figure 2 lists the applications of science and technology, within personal, local, national and
global settings that are primarily used as the contexts for assessment items. The applications will
be drawn from a wide variety of life situations and will be generally consistent with the areas of
application for scientific literacy in the previous PISA frameworks. The contexts will also be chosen
in light of their relevance to students’ interests and lives. The areas of application are: health and
disease, natural resources, environmental quality, hazards, and the frontiers of science and
technology. They are the areas in which scientific literacy has particular value for individuals and
communities in enhancing and sustaining quality of life, and in the development of public policy.
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