Abstract

Teaching philosophy should be based on the desired outcome of the teaching.  In the case of science education, the guiding principle for a teaching philosophy should start with the desire to help students understand and use science, regardless of their major or profession.  To effectively teach students how to understand science, one must include both the content and the process.  Peer review is an integral part of the process of science, however it is generally lacking from science education.  One must have something for the students to review in order to implement the process education, and Chemistry Is in the News offers such a project in the news portfolios.  In-class peer review is useful and common in other disciplines, but there is much to be gained by going outside the walls of the institution.  Inter-class, in particular interstate and international, compels faculty and students to use Information and Communication Technologies, exposes students to a diverse student body, and provides an opportunity to engage in faculty development via collaboration on instruction. 

Key words: Science Communication, Scientific Literacy, Peer Review, Science Teaching Philosophy, Collaborative Learning, Computer-Assisted Instruction