An Elegant Journey of Awakening: Learning to think in Science education

Dr Tim Dunn’s educational journey began in IT and computing, then led him on to a university career as a scientist with a PhD in cancer research and immunology. Tim was drawn into teaching when asked by friends to help out in the fledgling high school at Samford Valley Steiner School. He negotiated a release from university commitments of one afternoon per week to teach Maths, but soon found himself captivated by the quality of thinking he encountered in the high school students: a flexible, active and engaged thinking that contrasted with the fixed and formulaic thinking with which he was familiar. The one afternoon per week became a full time commitment when he left a position as Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, and became a Science teacher at the school. Tim describes the Steiner school approach to science as an “elegant journey of awakening”: one following the classic traditions of the great scientists, of clear and intense observation of phenomena following by a critical reflection that builds the concepts of Physics, Chemistry and Biology into a living whole. The process is as important as the content in helping students to not only know their subject, but also to learn to think critically and creatively. For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠ Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠ Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠ Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠ The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham. Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠ Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/