What do you think about my bio teacher's stand on evolution?

Question

In my biology class, we've just reached the section on evolution. However, to my dismay, my teacher announced that we would only be spending about one week learning about Darwin and his theories on evolution. Also, not only is my class only learning evolution for one week, but other bio teachers in my school teach it for a month or more. When questioned, my teacher said that evolution "raises to much argument." As for myself, I think she should teach regardless of supposed controversy. However, I am curious to hear what other people think about my bio teacher's position on evolution. Is she not teaching it because she herself doesn't believe it? Does she believe parts of it, but is just really religious? I don't know, and asking her probably isn't the smart thing to do.

Answer 1

She should teach the same unit as the other teachers. The raising of arguments is not a valid reason *not* to teach it fully -- the raising and settling of query is what science is ABOUT!

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Answer 2

I think a week on Darwin and the development of his theory is o.k. as long as you can meet state bench marks. Not all of the study of evolution need be confined to Darwin. You also need a good grasp and overview of the fossil record, a little physical anthropology, DNA, perhaps some biological theories on the development of the cosmos, a good grounding in plant and animal classification and the basics of genetics.

If you teacher means only one week on evolution then there may be a problem. If there is a week on the theory and three weeks on applications I see no problem. Again it depends on the bench marks which relate to your knowledge needs and possible test scores.

Ask her what you will study during the three weeks following the week on Darwin. There are a lot harder things to convey in biology than the theory of evolution. It is possible that four weeks on Darwin is a walk in the park, with a bunch of easy lesson plans, for some teachers.

Since you were so dismayed; I suggest you take it up with your grade counselor. Ask them about bench marks, which will apply to all class rooms. If you don't like her answer for the full four week period you could even ask to see the state bench marks.

Keep bench marks as your issue. It should get you some results as you are questioning standards that the school is expected to meet. If the bench marks are not going to be met then you have grounds to transfer to another class at least.

Answer 3

You're right - I wouldn't ask her religious preference if I were you, because frankly it's none of your business.

Sounds like this is college? If you feel that she is not giving you the education you are paying for, then see her department head, and whoever else you have to see until the situation is resolved.

A college level biology course - hell, even a high school biology course - should be spending much longer than a week on evolution, in my opinion.

Answer 4

Does your teacher focus on other teachings pertaining to the evolution/creation of life? If not, why does it bother you? Is she saying that evolution theory is incorrect? Is she saying that any other idea is better? Or .... is she just teaching the basics of the theory and leaving it at that?

She is not, as we hear from your posting, pushing an alternative but she is just lessening the time spent on a theory.

I'd say that her choice to use valuable time on a relatively unimportant theory is just her choice, nothing more or nothing less. Darwinism is, after all, just a theory. It is based in some scientific evidence and is quite fascinating ...... that is for sure. There are many more important things, biologically speaking, to spend time on.

I'd go ahead and ask her. What have you got to lose?

Kev

Answer 5

I am in eighth grade and currently taking Honors Biology.

Our class is spending about a month on evolution. The curriculum demands that evolution be taught for one month. Furthermore, you will have to take the district test, no matter how much you learn. Your teacher is incorrect in allowing so little time for this unit. She should not mingle religion with evolution in school. If she is doing it because of her religious beliefs, you have the right to sue her.

Note: My situation maybe different. I'm in a gifted program and many of my peers are atheists.

Answer 6

Asking her directly might be the smartest thing to do. Being aware of the curriculum she is supposed to teach from is a good plan as well. In case you decide to sue the school board for impairing your future earnings by failing to provide proper education(good luck on that one).

She might be not teaching it because she does not really understand it. That is surprisingly common.

This is a very nice introductory link
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/
The fact that UCLA Berkley felt the need to create something like this site to teach teachers about evolution should tell you something.

Answer 7

Interesting.....

you say...." I think she should teach regardless of supposed controversy"

I could say the same thing about Creationism.
Evolutionists fear Creation. If they didn't, they wouldn't cry like babies at it's being offered as an alternative


I agree with your teacher, although I think allowing a week was a week to long to brainwash a student without offering options

Answer 8

my question back at ya- would you be upset with your biology teacher if he/she chose to teach creationism? Also if she taught more on evolution and less on creationism would you complain about the lack of time given creationism? Just a thought? A month or more on evolution or any theory would be a long time- a week on one subject is quite good actually- I would say the same if my belief of creationism was taught.

Answer 9

People can learn from controversy, if both/all sides are presented fairly and accurately.

But she may feel she is hindered from being able to present her side, if that side relies solely on religion rather than science.

it does not sound like she should be a biology teacher. I would request a transfer to a better class.

Answer 10

Can you get yourself transferred to another class? Evolution is a fascinating subject -- and usually misunderstood. It's too important to spend only a week on. (Even for those who criticize it; I've yet to see a creationist argument that actually understands evolution.)

It's not fair that one class doesn't get to learn this important material. "Too much argument" is a miserable excuse. Is there another teacher you can talk with?