Primary school students’ perspectives on questions that bridge science and religion: Findings from a survey study in England

Journal article


Billingsley, B., Abedin, M. and Nassaji, Mehdi 2019. Primary school students’ perspectives on questions that bridge science and religion: Findings from a survey study in England. British Educational Research Journal. 46 (1), pp. 177-204. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3574
AuthorsBillingsley, B., Abedin, M. and Nassaji, Mehdi
Abstract

This article describes the development of a questionnaire to discover primary school students’ perceptions of science, religion and the relationships between them on a range of topics that are known as Big Questions. The questionnaire was administered in 16 primary schools in England with over 750 students aged 10–11. The findings indicate that students in this age group have begun to consider how science and religion relate and that while there is a diversity of positions, a significant proportion perceived science and religion to conflict. Analysis of responses also indicated that primary school students’ epistemic insight was limited in relation to their understanding of the nature of science and, in particular, the idea that science has limitations. The basis and potential consequences of such views are considered and recommendations for teaching practice are presented, together with ideas for future research. It is anticipated that the study will inform teachers and curriculum planners developing approaches and guidance materials in science and religious education.

KeywordsEducation
Year2019
JournalBritish Educational Research Journal
Journal citation46 (1), pp. 177-204
PublisherWiley
ISSN0141-1926
1469-3518
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3574
Official URLhttp::/doi.org/10.1002/berj.3574
Publication dates
Print25 Feb 2020
Online13 Sep 2019
Publication process dates
Deposited10 Oct 2019
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
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Licensehttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor
ContributorsBillingsley, B., Abedin, M. and Nassaji, M.
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