The Critical Role of Understanding Epistemic Practices in Science Teaching Using Wicked Problems

Wicked problems have been characterised by their high epistemological and axiological complexities. These are the kinds of problems that may invade our classrooms because many of them concern many stakeholders, including our students. Several approaches have been developed to address wicked problems in various contexts. However, little is known about how they may translate into educational research and practice. This paper proposes a conceptual framework in which wicked problems are analysed from their ontological, epistemological, and ethical commitments. Subsequently, they are framed within post-normal science, drawing on critical discourse in science studies and science education. Chief to the arguments is a focus on epistemic practices that are strongly anchored in but also extend from disciplinary science and engineering education. Implications for research and practice in higher science education are presented.