Association for Science Education
The ASE is the professional association for teachers of science. It was formed in 1963 by the merger of the Science Master's Association and the Association of Women Science Teachers. ASE can trace its origins back to 1900 with a letter written by four science masters from Eton College proposing a conference for Science Masters in Public Schools. Interestingly, one of the issues raised in the letter - as now - was "the attainment of at least some clearer method of the teaching of Natural Science than exists at present, and …. by taking united action, do something towards emphasising the value of Science as a means of education".
Membership of the Association is now of the order of 15 000, with a broad spread of membership from primary and secondary teachers, to technicians, those involved in Initial Teacher Education, and also includes some 2.500 student members. The Annual Conference now attracts in excess of 3.500 people and ASE has an enviable reputation worldwide.
ASE publications
ASE is a publisher. As well as its main journals, Education in Science, Primary Science Review, School Science Review and Science Teacher Education, ASE publishes about 10 new titles a year. For a full listing of current publications, visit the online bookshop or ask for a catalogue.
Promoting education
The ASE exists to improve the teaching of science. Its Trust Deed goes on to elaborate on the Objects of the Association which includes promoting education
- by providing an authoritative medium through which the opinions of teachers of science may be expressed on educational matters and
- by affording a means of communication among all persons and bodies of persons concerned with the teaching of science in particular and education in general.