Who's Asking?: Native Science, Western Science, and Science Education

by Douglas L. Medin

Analysis and case studies show that including different orientations toward the natural world makes for more effective scientific practice and science education. The answers to scientific questions depend on who's asking, because the questions asked and the answers sought reflect the cultural values and orientations of the questioner. These values and orientations are most often those of Western science. In Who's Asking? , Douglas Medin and Megan Bang argue that despite the widely held view that science is objective, value-neutral, and acultural, scientists do not shed their cultures at the laboratory or classroom door; their practices reflect their values, belief systems, and worldviews. Medin and Bang argue further that scientist diversity—the participation of researchers and educators with different cultural orientations—provides new perspectives and leads to more effective science and better science education. Medin and Bang compare Native American and European American orientations toward the natural world and apply these findings to science education. The European American model, they find, sees humans as separated from nature; the Native American model sees humans as part of a natural ecosystem. Medin and Bang then report on the development of ecologically oriented and community-based science education programs on the Menominee reservation in Wisconsin and at the American Indian Center of Chicago. Medin and Bang's novel argument for scientist diversity also has important implications for questions of minority underrepresentation in science.

Genres: Education, Science

296 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2013

Reviews

[Lisa Kroutil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides compelling evidence for diversity in STEM fields and STEM education. Every science teacher should take the time to read this book and consider how it can influence their practice.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors make some great points, and I think a broader variety of perspectives may help the scientific community connect with regular people and establish more trust.

[Amber Aranui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book for those of n the research field