Science and Technology Education

 

Science and Technology Education

Head of program: Dr. Ornit Spector Levy

 

The objective of the study program in science education is to train researchers, curriculum developers, and curriculum evaluators in all levels of education in Israel in the field of science teaching.

Studies have a multidisciplinary focus in which 30% of the curriculum is taught in the faculties of life sciences and exact sciences.

There are a number of specialization to choose from: Science instruction, Mathematics instruction, Environmental Science instruction, and in the Brain and Education.

Courses shape the professional development of the science and mathematics teachers and prepare them to investigate, initiate, and implement pedagogical innovations in scientific education.

 

Program aims:

• Expansion of research-oriented activity in the field of science education
• Development of innovative teaching and learning methods alongside evaluation research
• To strengthen the professional development and to foster leadership in science educators
• Design and development of technology-rich learning environments
• Initialization of science education projects in formal and informal educational settings
• To deepen the connection between the university (i.e., the scientific community) and Israeli society at large

 

Curriculum structure

Our curriculum integrates two fields: the sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, environmental sciences, mathematics, neuroscience, medical sciences, agriculture, engineering) and education.

Studies and research activities in the science education program focus on the combination of these two elements and the synergy of this combination.

The master's degree program is intended for students with a bachelor's degree in science and teaching certification in the field of science. The program includes a track with a thesis and without a thesis. The courses in these tracks are also open to doctoral students in the field of science education.

The course curriculum broadly integrates science and education, both in terms of cultivating leadership in science educators, in terms of incorporation of innovative classroom curricula, and in terms of research endeavors beyond the classroom.

The rationale of the curriculum structure relies on three goals, to:

1. Enhance students' knowledge of the exact sciences, life sciences and environmental sciences
2. Strengthen the basis of theoretical knowledge regarding educational theories
3. Teach research method skills in the field of social sciences

 

We maintain a high level of academia in the Science and Technology Education program and service a diverse population of students including:

• Mathematics teachers pursuing specialization in mathematics education
• Science and environmental science teachers pursuing specialization in environmental sciences
• Graduates of bachelor's degrees and technology education certifications in the field of technology
• Those who wish to specialize in "Brain and Education"
• Students from the Brain Science program who participate in courses that are part of the Science and Technology program

 

Within the program, we offer four specializations:

1. Science teaching
2. Mathematics teaching
3. "Brain and Education"
4. Environmental science teaching

 

Program of Study

The curriculum is comprehensively structured over two consecutive years. Students must study a full course of study and meet all their study requirements in each of the consecutive years of study.

Courses are taught on one concentrated school day - Thursdays from 8:00-20:00.

There are four elective science courses in which the student can choose the time and days to study (subject to the approval of the head of program).

In addition, the students are required to complete the basic studies in Judaism and English, as detailed on the website of the M.A. Admissions Committee (Hebrew): http://graduate-school.biu.ac.il/takanon.

Course structure and days of study are subject to change for the 2019-2020 academic school year

 

Study Tracks

Track A: Master's degree with thesis

This track is intended for students interested in obtaining a master's degree (M.A.) with a written research work (thesis) as part of their studies. Studies include acquiring theoretical knowledge and professional skills alongside academic and research skill development. Studies in the program allow for students to combine work life with studies in general and studies toward obtaining a doctoral degree in particular.

The academic theoretical courses in this track consist of 18 yearly hours concentrated in one day throughout two consecutive years. After completion of the academic theoretical studies, students are given an additional (third) year to submit their thesis

 

Track B: Master's degree without thesis

This program is intended for students who wish to obtain a master's degree without a written research work (thesis). Studies include acquiring theoretical knowledge and professional skills and participation in research courses.

The academic theoretical courses in this track consist of 22 yearly hours concentrated in one day throughout two consecutive years.

 

For program curriculum (HEBREW) – Click here

 

Application requirements

Applicants must be B.Sc. graduates of science, mathematics with an average grade of 76 or above or a bachelor's degree graduates in geography or environmental sciences with an average grade of 76 or above. Applicants must hold a teaching certificate or be enrolled in a teacher certification course.

Applicants with a bachelor's degree with less than a 76 average or a B.Ed degree (in Science, Mathematics, or environmental sciences) must take completion courses.

Applicants for specialization in "Brain and Education": Graduates of B.A. fields that will enable them to take brain science courses pending approval by the head of the Brain Research Department.

 

Course Completion

Students who are graduates of a bachelor's degree with an average grade of less than 80 must take completion courses.

There is no option to take completion courses without a teaching certificate. Students can learn toward teaching certification alongside studies in the program.

Notes:

• Students must receive approval for science courses by the head of program
• Registration for science courses will be based on availability. Priority in registration will be given to students of the science faculties.  
• Prerequisites in science courses also apply to students in the Science and Technology Education program.

 

Registration Process

1. Online registration for master's degree studies
2.  2. After registering, the following documents must be sent:

• B.A. graduation diploma - official and original (should include the stamp of the accredited university or establishment, signature, and establishment logo)
• Teaching certification certificate – official and original (should include the stamp of the accredited university or establishment, signature, and establishment logo)

The above-mentioned documents can be sent in two formats:

Mail: M.A. Admissions Committee, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002

Physically handed over: Mador Shema (building 605), Sun-Thurs from 8:00-18:00

1. An updated curriculum vida (CV) must be sent by email (toar2edu@biu.ac.il) or by fax (03-738-4123) or by mail (School of Education, M.A. studies, Science and Technology Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290000)

Head of program: Dr. Ornit Spektor Levy

The Center for Science and Technology Education

School of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290000

E-mail: ornit.spektor-levy@biu.ac.il

Fax: 03-738-4123

 

For more information please refer to the program secretary:

E-Mail: Avigail.Erez@biu.ac.il

Fax: 03-738-4123

Tel: 03-531-8456

Calling hours are Sunday-Thursday, 10:30-11:30 and 13:30-14:30

Reception hours are Sundays and Wednesdays: 11:30-14:00, Mondays and Thursdays: 8:30-10:30. On Tuesdays there are no reception hours.