New book offers solution for teaching evolution without conflict.Washington, Oct 4 (ANI): A new book written by University of Alabama at Birmingham UAB began in 1936 as the Birmingham Extension Center of the University of Alabama. Because of the rapid growth of the Birmingham area, it was decided that an extension program for students who had difficulties which prevented them from studying in Tuscaloosa was needed. researcher claims to offer a novel way to teach evolution without offending of·fend v. of·fend·ed, of·fend·ing, of·fends v.tr. 1. To cause displeasure, anger, resentment, or wounded feelings in. 2. students who have strong religious convictions against the theory. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Professor Lee Meadows Educators who have taught evolution often have come under attack by students, parents and local religious leaders. "For too long evolution has been denied its place in science curriculum. School policies driven by misunderstanding and fear regularly displace dis·place tr.v. dis·placed, dis·plac·ing, dis·plac·es 1. To move or shift from the usual place or position, especially to force to leave a homeland: widely recognized principles of science," wrote Meadows. "But without understanding evolution, students - no matter what their religious beliefs - will never achieve the level of scientific literacy According to the United States National Center for Education Statistics, scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity. they need to make sense of even everyday practicalities such as how human viruses work," the expert added. As a result of the conflict many teachers have resorted to one of two extremes to avoid arguments over the validity of evolution, says Meadows. "This book attempts to take a middle-of-the road approach," he added. He suggests that teachers should convince students of the legitimacy of evolution and encourage them to examine the scientific evidence for evolution for themselves and guide them in exploring the scientific explanations for that evidence. "Children have to understand evolution but they don't have to believe it, and that is the key distinction that I have laid out in the book," said Meadows. "So if a child asks if God made the whale, it's really an opportunity to talk about natural and supernatural explanations. You are not saying that one is better than the other, only that science is limited to natural explanations," he added. (ANI) Copyright 2009 Asian News International The Asian News International (ANI) agency provides multimedia news to China and 50 bureaus in India. It covers virtually all of South Asia since its foundation and presently claims, on its official website, to be the leading South Asia-wide news agency. (ANI) - All Rights Reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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