The nature of science as a foundation for fostering a better understanding of evolution

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Lawrence I. Flammer¹  Jean Beard²  Craig E. Nelson³  Lawrence C. Scharmann⁴ 

[1] Campbell Union High School District;Department of Biological Science, San Jose State University;Department of Biology, Indiana University;Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, University of Nebraska;

关键词: Evolution;    Nature of science;    Instructional success;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12052-019-0100-7

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Misunderstandings of the nature of science (NOS) contribute greatly to resistance to evolutionary theory especially among non-scientific audiences. Here we delineate three extended instructional examples that make extensive use of NOS to establish a foundation upon which to more successfully introduce evolution. Specifically, these instructional examples enable students to consider evolutionary biology using NOS as a lens for interpretation of evolutionary concepts. We have further found, through our respective research efforts and instructional experiences, that a deep understanding of NOS helps students understand and accept the scientific validity of evolution and, conversely, that evolution provides an especially effective context for helping students and teachers to develop a deep understanding of the nature of science. Based on our research and instructional experiences, we introduce six key factors necessary for enhanced instructional success in teaching evolution. These factors are: (1) foster a deep understanding of NOS; (2) use NOS as a lens for evolution instruction; (3) explicitly compare evolution to alternative explanations; (4) focus on human evolution (where possible); (5) explicitly recognize the power of historical inference and (6) use active, social learning. Finally, we elaborate and ground these key factors in supporting literature.

【 授权许可】

Unknown