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Teaching evolution in a creationist environment: an approach based on worldviews, not misconceptions

Reiss, M; (2008) Teaching evolution in a creationist environment: an approach based on worldviews, not misconceptions. School Science Review , 90 (331) pp. 49-56. Green open access

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Abstract

Creationism and intelligent design are becoming more widespread. This article examines the characteristics of religions and the possible relationship between science and religion before going on to consider how science teachers might deal with creationism in their classrooms when teaching evolution. The central argument is that creationism is best seen not as a misconception but as a worldview. The most that a science teacher can normally aspire to is to ensure that students with creationist beliefs understand the scientific position. In the short term, the scientific worldview is unlikely to supplant a creationist one. We can help students to find their science lessons interesting and intellectually challenging without their being threatening. Effective teaching in this area can not only help students learn about the theory of evolution but better to appreciate the way science is done, the procedures by which scientific knowledge accumulates, the limitations of science and the ways in which scientific knowledge differs from other forms of knowledge.

Type: Article
Title: Teaching evolution in a creationist environment: an approach based on worldviews, not misconceptions
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10024087
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