http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/education/24evolution.html?ref=sciencespecial2
There has been a long debate about whether evolution should be taught in school. Many parents are opposed to evolution being taught because they are afraid of what it might do to their children's religious beliefs. Another issue is when evolution is being taught, it is just skimmed over.
It seems that many people are opposed to the teaching of evolution because they do not understand it and are therefore afraid of it. There is not a clear understanding of what faith is and what science is and this is where the main issue lies. Mr. Campbell explained the difference between science and religion best when he said,
“Faith is not based on science. And science is not based on faith. Science explores nature by testing and gathering data. It can’t tell you what’s right and wrong. It doesn’t address ethics. But it is not anti-religion. Science and religion just ask different questions.”Many seem to be afraid that evolution goes against what their religion teaches. Parents are afraid that their children will lose faith in their religion so many would rather reject evolution than let their children make their own decisions as to what they want to believe in. However, keeping information from students because of fear is not justifiable. Kids have to grow up and they have to make their own decisions. They will at some point find out what evolution is and it is up to them to decide what to believe and what not to believe.
Another problem in the evolution debate is that in the few school districts that teach about evolution, it is taught as a theory or under a different name, such as, “the organizing principle of life science.” Or instead of using the word evolution they may say, “Changes over time.” It doesn’t make sense to try and disguise the word evolution. Teaching about evolution and using the word evolution is not about making students believe in evolution, it’s about making them understand what it is. It is also about opening their eyes to something that they don’t know much about. Teachers also struggle with evolution. A problem that many teachers face is deciding how to teach about evolution. They are told that evolution can be taught but many teachers don’t know how to go about teaching it. Many teachers themselves don’t know enough about evolution to teach it. When students ask questions, teachers don’t know how to answer those questions because they themselves are not well informed. In most cases, evolution is simply taught by explaining natural selection and that’s it. Many schools spend very little time teaching evolution in depth which could be leading many to reject it.
Overall, the debate of whether evolution should be taught is school is disturbing. Trying to keep information from students is only harming them, not helping them. Students are not given the opportunity to question the world around them. Parents and administrators complain about the education that their students receive but they are contributing to the deterioration of their children’s education by not allowing them the opportunity to explore the world they live in. Although many do not believe in evolution, not believing is not enough reason to not teach about it. People need to be open to learning about evolution before they can decide whether they want to reject it or not.
Articles:
Teaching evolution in Florida
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/02/20/teaching-evolution-in-florida.html
Judge nixes evolution textbook stickers
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6822028/
Battle On Teaching Evolution Sharpens
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32444-2005Mar13.html
School board OKs challenges to evolution
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6470259/
Video: Evolution Debate
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/9971798#9971798
Teaching evolution in school should not be an option. It should be mandatory. The rationale that teachers do not know enough about evolution, and therefore they do not teach it is unacceptable. I do not agree with this explanation because teachers should understand evolution, a theory yet to be proven wrong, not only because it is their job as an educator to teach it, but also because as an educated individual they should be well aware of what the theory is about. Of course, there is a time and place to be discussing evolution. The time is during elementary and secondary school years, and the place is in a science classroom. Many people are concerned that their children will lose their faith after learning about evolution because it contradicts with the creation narrative written in Genesis. I believe strongly however that religion should be kept at a distance from the classroom. Classroom time is not meant to be about beliefs or faith, and it would be completely inappropriate for a teacher to discuss the bible as a source of reference for creation in a science class. Teachers need to be aware of the diverse religions of the students in their classroom, and it is not their job to preach their own religion. Evolution however, is not about beliefs and has nothing to do with religion. Evolution is a proven scientific theory. The teacher doesn’t have to force every child in the classroom to believe the theory of evolution, that’s not what teaching is about, but they do have to transfer the knowledge and understanding of evolution to their students. It is then up to the student to decide what to do with this knowledge. I believe that if a parent wants their child to be educated in religion, they should send him/her to religious school or perhaps a private school of their faith. Public school however, is not and should never be based on religion.
ReplyDeleteThe debate over whether evolution should be taught in schools is huge. However, I do not agree with the viewpoints provided in this blog. There is much ambiguity when it comes to religion and school, and what can and cannot be taught. Yet, people form very strong bonds to their religions and beliefs that cannot just be dropped so the children can see “all sides of the argument”. It is hard for people to break their beliefs when it is so ingrained in them. I have very strong Catholic beliefs and I could never believe in evolution, even if I am taught it in school. Children’s beliefs come mostly from their parents, which shape them as they grow up. It does not make sense to have them believe one thing at home and then go to school and learn something which contradicts it. I believe that families should be given a choice on how they want their children to be educated and split them into different classes, one teaching evolution and one not. I understand that conflict arises in teaching creationism because of religious beliefs and the separation of church and state, so it should be taught in a much generalized way. This situation would reduce most conflict on all sides.
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