Integrating Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in Biology Classroom Using Socio-scientific Issues

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) within biology lessons at the secondary level by leveraging Socio-scientific Issues (SSI). The study's objectives were to: (1) identify Socio-scientific Issue suitable themes and topics for GCED-enriched biology lessons; (2) develop biology lessons that integrate GCED with SSI on biology; (3) determine the teaching strategies utilized in the GCED integration. The study identifies key SSI topics such as environmental conservation, climate change, genetic engineering, public health, and biodiversity, and develops lesson plans that align educational objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment suggests. The study demonstrated that biology lessons can be effectively enriched with GCED by incorporating relevant global socio-scientific issues. A variety of teaching strategies congruent with active and inquiry-based learning were identified as effective for delivering GCED-enriched biology content. These strategies included case studies, problem-posing, collaborative learning projects, and the use of multimedia resources to enhance student global citizenship competency. The study recommends an approach to integrating GCED in biology classroom and suggests action options to promote its integration into instructional practices.