Teachers Back Away From Evolution In Class

RedEaredSlider writes "A study (abstract) from Penn State shows that a lot of teachers — some 60 percent — are reluctant to teach evolutionary theory in the classroom either because they fear controversy or they just aren't comfortable with the material (as not every biology teacher was a science major). It shows the importance, the authors say, of training teachers well before they step into the class."

Comments

oh noes

[samjam]

I'm trying hard to read this as more than a complaint that "Oh noes, my pet-theory/favourite-subject isn't being taught as much as I think it should"

The general form of the story is well known.

In this case it is a scientific theory so scientists see it as bad for future science.

It could just as easily be engineers claiming about the poor quality of mathematics teaching, or CS professors complaining about the lack of independent thinking.

However, my view is that it is down to the parents to do the teaching, and to delegate to schools as they see fit, and also to make up the difference.

No-group has a right to have their pet subjects taught to children. Except the gubbernment, of course.
But- they are allowed to whine and make a noise about it.

Re:Not a science major?

[theaveng]

MOD: -1 Flamebait

Poor moderation by someone who shouldn't have that power.

How can one be a Biology teacher without having a major in at least one of the sciences? Sad. Schools ought to demote these persons to HomeEc or English, and hire some actual degreed science majors to do the teaching. Maybe they can't do that because of Union rules