Re: Challenges to teaching biology

Wayne writes:

There are students who just want to disrupt class, and this is one of
easiest ways to do it (I remember). But we should not take every call for
"what is this good for?", and every "those evil scientists!" the same way
from inexperienced young adults, the same way as ones those who have
an ax to grind.

I agree entirely that members of the scientific community must do all they can to help h.s. biology and general science teachers present the science of evolution to their students and learn about the kinds of distorted arguments against evolution naive and indoctrinated students bring to class with them. It would be helpful for teachers to lay out some ground rules of class decorum and behavior on day one and remind students of them. There is nothing wrong with insisting that students behave in a respectful and courteous manner toward the teacher and everyone else. Or that a teacher make it clear that he or she will not allow individual students to take up class time to pursue personal agendas.

I would hesitate to ask h.s. teachers to take up another task--they are overworked already--but a teacher who is a Christian might organize a meeting for students outside of school hours on neutral ground (preferably a private home) to discuss issues related to evolution. A Christian college teacher who is a scientist could render invaluable aid by participating. Ground rules could include no local pastors or professional YEC propagandists in attendance. Such a setting would allow the teacher to share his/her Christian faith and explain why theologically he/she is comfortable with integrating the science with the theology.

Bob
Received on Mon Apr 3 07:39:33 2006