Creating a Culture of Science in the Philippines | Paulo Joquiño | TEDxUPDiliman

Summary

The speaker shares their passion for science, reflecting on their journey from childhood curiosity to their current mission to improve science education in the Philippines. They explore the concept of creating a 'culture of science,' focusing on informal learning, conversations (chika han), and science diplomacy. Through personal stories and experiences, they highlight how curiosity, informal learning, and global collaboration can foster a deeper appreciation for science. The speaker challenges the audience to think critically about how they can contribute to science education and create lasting change, asking them what they would do with a million pesos to improve it.

Takeaways

• 😀 Science can be both exciting and boring, but a deep love for it can spark lifelong curiosity.
• 😀 Growing up in an environment that encouraged questioning and learning helped foster a love for science.
• 😀 The journey into science education began with a question: 'If you had 1 million pesos to improve science education in the Philippines, how would you use it?'
• 😀 A culture of science is not just about making everyone a scientist but about valuing science and its role in daily life.
• 😀 Informal learning is spontaneous and allows for deeper engagement and curiosity-driven exploration.
• 😀 Asking questions and challenging assumptions is essential to fostering curiosity and scientific thinking.
• 😀 Informal learning and science communication, such as reading journal articles or discussing them, helps to promote scientific thinking.
• 😀 Chika Han (informal conversation) can help build ideas, relationships, and networks among individuals passionate about science.
• 😀 Science diplomacy uses science to promote collaboration between countries, industries, and communities, ultimately fostering a global culture of science.
• 😀 Science diplomacy can bridge the gap between scientists, governments, industries, and the public, encouraging greater participation in scientific endeavors.
• 😀 The challenge to improve science education and create a culture of science is an ongoing journey, requiring collaboration, open-mindedness, and the courage to ask bold questions.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker's journey toward science education?

The speaker's journey began with a question posed by their dorm mate in freshman year of high school, asking how they would use a million pesos to improve science education in the Philippines. This sparked a conversation about science education that continues to this day.

What is a 'culture of science' as defined by the speaker?

A culture of science, according to the speaker, is a world where Filipinos are aware of the role of science and technology in their daily lives. It's not about everyone becoming a scientist but about valuing science and viewing limitations as opportunities for innovation.

What does informal learning mean, and why is it important in fostering a culture of science?

Informal learning is spontaneous and learner-driven, where individuals have the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace. It's crucial for fostering a culture of science because it encourages curiosity and independent thinking, as seen in activities like listening to TED talks or reading science journal articles.

How did the speaker's experience with science communication contribute to their understanding of informal learning?

The speaker was involved in a science communication class where students read full-length journal articles, made posters, and engaged in discussions. This demonstrated how informal learning could challenge students to question, learn, and understand complex scientific concepts.

What role does questioning play in science, according to the speaker?

Questioning is at the heart of scientific discovery. By challenging preconceived notions and standards, curiosity drives individuals to seek deeper understanding, leading to new innovations and discoveries in science.

What is 'Chikahan' and how does it contribute to science education?

Chikahan refers to informal conversations that happen outside of planned schedules, often after events or meetings. It plays a vital role in science education by fostering the exchange of ideas, building relationships, and connecting people across different fields, which can lead to collaborative innovations.

What is the significance of science diplomacy, and how does it help improve science education?

Science diplomacy is the use of science to foster collaboration between communities, institutions, and nations. It brings together scientists, the government, and the public, promoting a shared understanding of the importance of science, which in turn can improve science education and policy.

How does the speaker suggest science diplomacy could be used in the Philippines?

The speaker envisions that science diplomacy in the Philippines could bring the government closer to the scientific community, help integrate science and technology into government decisions, and create more opportunities for public engagement with science, similar to the activities organized by groups like the University of Pennsylvania science diplomacy group.

What role do informal learning, Chikahan, and science diplomacy play in shaping a culture of science?

These three elements complement each other in fostering a culture of science. Informal learning encourages self-driven curiosity, Chikahan facilitates the exchange of ideas and networking, and science diplomacy bridges the gap between science, government, industry, and the public, creating a collaborative environment that values science.

How did the speaker's personal experiences with science education lead to the creation of 'Integrating Science in the Philippines' (ISA)?

The speaker's personal experiences, particularly their interviews and conversations about science education, led to the founding of ISA, an organization aimed at improving science education in the Philippines. They envisioned projects like a YouTube channel focused on Filipino science, science camps, and new science magazines to engage students across the country.