On behalf of the East-Asian Association for Science Education (EASE), I would like to welcome you to join the Association and enjoy the wonders and supports from the EASE!
The definition of “East Asia” is always flexible as ever. In the EASE Association, We see the term, “East Asia,” as a concept instead of a definition, and we believe that grasping the nature of “Science Education” is more important than defining “East-Asian.” At the moment, the association has five constituent regions (China Mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan); however, the membership is not confined to people in these regions. In fact many of our members are from other parts or outside of Asia now. ANYONE interested in research and practice of science education ARE ENCOURAGED TO JOIN US AND WE WELCOME THEM ALL from the bottom of our hearts. The constituent regions are not limited to current members either. We are hoping to have a larger extended coverage of constitutional regions in the near future.
Science education is a collaborative endeavor to prepare people better for their future, and more, to make a better world. Years of development have made EASE a potent platform for science education researchers/teachers on which we can share findings and solutions, and, moreover, set out for a quest and exploration of science education. Personally, I was attracted by the cordial atmosphere in the EASE while I had interesting interactions and worked with so many wonderful and intelligent minds of science education. I truly believe that YOU WILL ENJOY THESE PLEASANT AND FRUITFUL EXPERIENCES more than I did.
Since the EASE was officially established at Seoul National University, Korea, the first President, Prof. Masakata Ogawa, the second President, Prof. Jinwoong Song, and the third President, Prof. Chi-Jui Lien, have organized many important academic events. With efforts from all EASE society and local science education communities, remarkable successes were achieved in many great events, including, the first biennial conference (EASE-2009) themed "Science Education for Tomorrow (SET): Voices of East Asia", Taipei, Taiwan; the first summer school (EASE-Summer School 2010), Taipei, Taiwan; the second biennial conference (EASE-2011) themed "Lighting the World with Science", Kwangju, Korea; the second summer school (EASE-Summer School 2012), Beijing, China Mainland; the third biennial conference (EASE-2013) themed "Building an International platform for exchange between scientists and science educators", Hong Kong; the first winter school (EASE-APCTP winter school 2014), Seoul, Korea; and from them, friendship and academic cooperation were strengthened. The IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION THROUGH THE EASE has been well demonstrated and has also declares a state of RISING FOR THE EASE.
Many exciting academic EVENTS ARE YET TO COME! Scholars from China Mainland are preparing for THE FORTH EASE CONFERENCE (EASE-2015) at Beijing Normal University, in October, 2015. We sincerely hope to see you and your excitements there! Before that day comes, our E-Newsletter will continue to provide vital information about the science education movements in the membership regions and the world. Please let’s not forget to add the EASE web-site as one of your favorites. If you feel a need to contact the EASE, you may reach the executive members at yours region, other regions, or make contact directly with the EASE headquarter. More contribution to the science education in East Asia may be initiated from here.
EASE is a young but promising organization! It is now building firm links with other existing regional, national, and international science education associations (e.g. NARST, ASERA, ESERA, etc.) so that communication and collaboration can be much more encouraged. EASE is in science education profession, yet full of friendship and supports.
Yes, THE EASE ASSOCIATION IS YOURS.
Your continuous supports are crucial to EASE.
Please, JOIN EASE and JOIN OUR EFFORTS!
November 1, 2013
Lei Wang (王磊), Ph.D.
The Forth President, East-Asian Association for Science Education (EASE)
Professor and Chair of the Institute of Chemical Education
Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
