THE TWENTIETH NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC-PRACTICAL CONFERENCE „NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN A COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL – 2014“: A REVIEW OF CONFERENCE

Abstract

This review is devoted to the 20th national scientific practical conference „Natural Science Education in a Comprehensive School – 2014“. It is obvious, that this conference is devoted to topical issues of natural science education. Every year teachers from different schools of Lithuania, and also the teachers and scientists from different foreign countries attending the conference. The first national conference „Natural science education in comprehensive school“ took place in Upyte, Panevezys district, Antanas Belazaras basic school. At that time, the organisers did not have a clear vision concerning the future of that conference, because that was the time when Lithuanian education „construction“ was going on. The beginning was very hard – there were no finances, no support. However, there was a clear perception – this is necessary, this is important. The years passed. The second conference took place in 1996, the third in 1997… and now we have 2014. Owing to colleagues and like-minded people, this conference is up to now. The 20th national scientific practical conference took place. What is more, it „grew up“ – both quantitatively and qualitatively. During the mentioned period, various natural science subject, primary class teachers, pre-school education, non-formal education specialists, education managers, high school teachers, scientists and so on took part in the conference. We were learning from each other. It is obvious, that natural science and technological education success and effectiveness are determined not only by current and newly written textbooks, computers and other modern technologies, renovated school material basis, but, first of all, by education managers’ and organisers’ attitude and understanding. Equally the same understanding should also get stronger in natural science subject teachers’ consciousness. I hope, that conferences contribute significantly to this, and all participating in them, carry out a noble mission – develop natural science and technological education movement not only in Lithuania, but also outside its borders. Time is ruthless, memory is not all-powerful. We must save the memory and future education activities’ reference point. Twenty years is a certain epoch, during which a lot of changes occurred in the field of natural science and technological education. Some of the changes were that gave good results, the others – poor. However, all this is experience. A man is great and powerful in his mind; however, very often of a poor soul. He does not lack willingness and possibilities to create, however, at the same time he does not lack the willingness to destroy what has been created. Nature scientists’ worry is absolutely grounded. Today, it is not only natural education that is discussed about. It is more and more often discussed in a very broad context: natural science – technological – noospheric education. Therefore, a personal responsibility falls on us, natural science education specialists, for natural science education system creation and development. This is our primary responsibility and duty. Key words: national conference, science education, science and technological education movement.