this study shows that the four major conceptual
components of communication skills identified above provide, at least,
the minimum essentials required for nurturing students to become
thoughtful, participatory citizens. On the basis of developing these four
components, students have the potential to effectively engage in advanced
inquiry activities that make use of argumentation, evidence-based debates
or discussions, and decision-making in school science. Moreover, such
practice allows for the formation and cultivation of ethical competency,
which is an important precursor to prudent activism in preparation of a
future citizenry (Bencze & Cater, 2011; Hodson, 2010; Levinson, 2013).
Based on our research, we believe that this process can be reasonably
achieved with the integration of science education with moral and
character education.