YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to announce a new publication by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean, Professor Hagop Yacoubian, in the International Journal of Science Education.
Professor Yacoubian’s new article, entitled “Scientific Literacy and Generative AI: Embracing Nature of Science for Social Justice,” discusses K12 education and argues that GenAI can be used as a pedagogical resource and an object of critical inquiry.
The paper argues that the rapid growth of AI has introduced a new generation of complex questions that combine science with ethical, political, and social considerations. Rather than considering these issues to be outside the scope of science education, the research proposes that they should become central to classroom learning. The paper suggests ways to support learners to dig deeper into the interconnections among GenAI, nature of science, and complex societal issues.
The study makes three contributions. It offers a cohesive framework for K-12 science education, outlines strategies for positioning students as critical participants in AI-mediated science learning, and foregrounds justice-oriented reasoning, highlighting how students can engage with emerging technologies while exploring the social and ethical dimensions of knowledge production.
By using a social justice framework, the paper argues for engaging learners in exploring the social nature of science and examining whose voices are represented in scientific and technological development, who benefits from innovation, who may be disadvantaged, and how scientific knowledge can be used to create more equitable outcomes. It also discusses implications for classroom practice.
Reflecting on the article, Professor Yacoubian said: “The paper argues for a deeper purpose of science education. Equipping all learners, especially those who have been historically marginalized, to critically engage with science in ways that advance both democratic ideals and social justice. In this context, scientific literacy becomes more than the ability to understand scientific facts or concepts. It involves developing the capacity to examine how scientific knowledge is produced and to use that understanding to make informed decisions about complex societal issues.”
Through this perspective, Professor Yacoubian’s work invites educators and learners to view GenAI not simply as a technological innovation, but as part of a broader conversation about knowledge, responsibility, justice, and the future of society.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.