Chapter 13. Conclusions

The collection of chapters in this book shows how a range of projects undertaken in different countries set out to enhance engagement of students in science or chemistry. Engagement is conceptualised in different ways. In the first part of this concluding chapter we attempt to draw out some key ideas that we can see emerging from the chapters in order to get a broad characterisation of this concept. The range of projects shows how different conditions and approaches in learning environments are conceptualised and implemented to promote student engagement; examples of these are summarised in the following section of this chapter in an attempt to highlight the main foci of conditions for/approaches to engagement. The rationale for much research in this field is the need to raise aspirations of young people with regard to studying science and following science or chemistry related careers. We then draw out the ways in which the research projects have addressed issues of aspiration, to further our understanding of the complexities of student choice. Finally, the chapter looks forward by summarising key points made by authors in this book regarding sustaining or promoting engagement.