Analyzing socioscientific issues-based instruction studies focusing on character and value development: A systematic review

Abstract

The increase in ecological problems and social and moral conflicts has brought character and value education to the agenda in the 21st century. Socioscientific issues (SSI) that concern society and address ethical and moral issues are recommended as appropriate content to develop character and values within science education. In this systematic review, we investigate the trends and differences of SSI-based instruction studies that aim to develop character and values. Based on the analysis of 12 related articles, we found that SSI-based instructions focus on ecological worldview, socioscientific accountability, and social and moral compassion. We also cover instructional activities, assessment, time spent, and content. This research will guide researchers and practitioners to develop SSI-based instructions particularly for character and value development and explore new areas of SSI-based research by recognizing the gaps in this field.