Evolution education (challenges and potentials for teaching and learning that topic)
INDsigt ved Daniela Fiedler, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen
Sprog: Oplægget holdes på engelsk
Language: The presentation will be in English
Evolution, as the overarching explanatory principle of biology, provides the conceptual foundation for all biological processes. Understanding evolutionary processes is thus fundamental to tackling prevalent challenges threatening humanity’s survival, such as multi-resistant pathogens or biodiversity loss. However, misunderstandings about evolution persist among students of all educational levels and within the public. As teachers and educators, knowing the most common challenges is crucial to effectively facing them in the classroom.In this seminar, I will provide insights into the major challenges of teaching and learning evolution. We will explore the notion and origin of so-called misconceptions and discuss how to identify them effectively. Through various examples, you will have the opportunity to practice recognizing problematic statements and developing strategies for addressing them.
Bio: Daniela Fiedler is originally from Germany and now works as a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Science Education (IND) at the University of Copenhagen. She focuses primarily on quantitative empirical research about the teaching and learning of biology in schools and universities (with a thematic focus on evolutionary biology). As such, her research is centered around the development and influence of learners’ biological knowledge and associated concepts, attitudes towards evolution, or the impact of religious identity. She also examines how digital learning environments and materials can support learning processes in biological contexts.