Teaching Evolution in a Creation Nation

Teaching Evolution in a Creation Nation

Author: Adam Laats

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2016-03-03

Total Pages: 137

ISBN-13: 022633144X

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No fight over what gets taught in American classrooms is more heated than the battle over humanity’s origins. For more than a century we have argued about evolutionary theory and creationism (and its successor theory, intelligent design), yet we seem no closer to a resolution than we were in Darwin’s day. In this thoughtful examination of how we teach origins, historian Adam Laats and philosopher Harvey Siegel offer crucial new ways to think not just about the evolution debate but how science and religion can make peace in the classroom. Laats and Siegel agree with most scientists: creationism is flawed, as science. But, they argue, students who believe it nevertheless need to be accommodated in public school science classes. Scientific or not, creationism maintains an important role in American history and culture as a point of religious dissent, a sustained form of protest that has weathered a century of broad—and often dramatic—social changes. At the same time, evolutionary theory has become a critical building block of modern knowledge. The key to accommodating both viewpoints, they show, is to disentangle belief from knowledge. A student does not need to believe in evolution in order to understand its tenets and evidence, and in this way can be fully literate in modern scientific thought and still maintain contrary religious or cultural views. Altogether, Laats and Siegel offer the kind of level-headed analysis that is crucial to finding a way out of our culture-war deadlock.


The Evolution of Educational Theory in the United States

The Evolution of Educational Theory in the United States

Author: Dickson Mungazi

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 1999-01-30

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0313388660

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There is no better way to understand a society's assessment of its own success or failure than an examination of its theories of education, because any attempt to improve national performance will be reflected in educational policy. This study is a comprehensive account of the evolution of American educational theory from the colonial period to the present. It includes a broad discussion of the foundations upon which early Americans built their educational policy, as well as influential factors unique to the American experience. From the Revolution to nineteenth century reform efforts to the turbulent twentieth century, educational theory has been adapted to suit the needs of an ever-changing, multicultural society. Throughout U.S. history key objectives have affected the character of education, particularly curriculum. One main thrust for reform has been the belief that equality in education serves the national interest. Examination of the historical attitudes toward the education of African Americans provides a valuable insight into this process. Today America is experiencing significant difficulties in making its educational system succeed, and the negative social effects of this deterioration are already apparent. The future success of educational theory lies in international cooperative efforts.


The Evolution of Educational Thought

The Evolution of Educational Thought

Author: Emile Durkheim

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-11-05

Total Pages: 394

ISBN-13: 1136622861

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First Published in 2005. Emile Durkheim's writing on education is well-known and widely recognized to be of great significance. In these lectures - given for the first time in 1902 to meet an urgent contemporary need - Durkheim presents a 'vast and bold fresco' of educational development in Europe. He covers nearly eight hundred years of history. The book culminates in two long chapters of positive recommendations for modern curriculum, which should be of special interest and value to those concerned with education policy, in whatever capacity.


The Evolution of Deficit Thinking

The Evolution of Deficit Thinking

Author: Richard R. Valencia

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2012-11-12

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 1136368434

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Deficit thinking refers to the notion that students, particularly low income minority students, fail in school because they and their families experience deficiencies that obstruct the leaning process (e.g. limited intelligence, lack of motivation, inadequate home socialization). Tracing the evolution of deficit thinking, the authors debunk the pseudo-science and offer more plausible explanations of why students fail.


The Evolution of American Educational Technology

The Evolution of American Educational Technology

Author: Paul Saettler

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2004-03-01

Total Pages: 599

ISBN-13: 1607529785

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The primary purpose of this book is to trace the theoretical methodological foundations of American educational technology. It must be emphasized that this work is essentially as history of the process of educational technology rather than of products in the form of devices or media. Although media have played an important rode in educational technology, the reader should not lose sight of the central process which characterizes and underlies the true historical meaning and function of educational technology. Moreover, the assumption is made that all current theory, methodology, and practice rests upon the heritage of the past. Indeed, a common problem in the field has been the failure, in many instances, to take adequate account of past history in planning for the present or the future. A related purpose of this book is to provide a selective survey of research in educational technology as it relates to the American public schools. Such research reviews are not intended to be comprehensive, but were included because of their historical importance and their relevance in understanding the process of educational technology.


Evolution of Teaching and Learning Paradigms in Intelligent Environment

Evolution of Teaching and Learning Paradigms in Intelligent Environment

Author: Raymond A. Tedman

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2011-04-07

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 3540719741

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This book is a fascinating window on the evolution of teaching and learning paradigms in intelligent environments. It presents the latest ideas coming out of educational computing research. The three Australian authors include a number of chapters on issues of real relevance to today’s teaching practice, including an introduction to the evolution of teaching and learning paradigms; why designers cannot be agnostic about pedagogy, and the influence of constructivist thinking in design of e-learning for HE.


Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science

Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science

Author: National Academy of Sciences

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1998-05-06

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 0309063647

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Today many school students are shielded from one of the most important concepts in modern science: evolution. In engaging and conversational style, Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science provides a well-structured framework for understanding and teaching evolution. Written for teachers, parents, and community officials as well as scientists and educators, this book describes how evolution reveals both the great diversity and similarity among the Earth's organisms; it explores how scientists approach the question of evolution; and it illustrates the nature of science as a way of knowing about the natural world. In addition, the book provides answers to frequently asked questions to help readers understand many of the issues and misconceptions about evolution. The book includes sample activities for teaching about evolution and the nature of science. For example, the book includes activities that investigate fossil footprints and population growth that teachers of science can use to introduce principles of evolution. Background information, materials, and step-by-step presentations are provided for each activity. In addition, this volume: Presents the evidence for evolution, including how evolution can be observed today. Explains the nature of science through a variety of examples. Describes how science differs from other human endeavors and why evolution is one of the best avenues for helping students understand this distinction. Answers frequently asked questions about evolution. Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science builds on the 1996 National Science Education Standards released by the National Research Councilâ€"and offers detailed guidance on how to evaluate and choose instructional materials that support the standards. Comprehensive and practical, this book brings one of today's educational challenges into focus in a balanced and reasoned discussion. It will be of special interest to teachers of science, school administrators, and interested members of the community.