Course Descriptions

BIOL 58010 Teaching Evolution: Online Course for Teachers

Session Offered:

Fall Credit 3.0

Prerequisites:

None

Description:

This online course will help students deepen their understanding of evolutionary concepts, develop instructional strategies, and address obstacles in the teaching of evolution. Students who successfully complete this course will know: (1) The nature of scientific processes, (2) The value and limitations of scientific process, (3) The scientific use of terms such as fact, law, theory, and hypothesis,   (4) How multiple forms of evidence are used to test theories, (5) Applications of scientific processes in different situations, and (6) Understand how and why evolution is a cornerstone of biology. The students will (a) Explore teaching methodologies, and address obstacles to teaching evolution (b) Examine how student misconceptions about evolution can be raised and addressed, (c) Understand how assessment strategies are integrated into inquiry-based science lessons, (d) Examine how questions facilitate diverse student thinking about and discussion of science, (e) Identify what it takes to develop a respectful, productive science learning environment, and (f) Understand legal and professional support for teaching evolution.  Four writing assignments, weekly online discussions, weekly quizzes, frequent online peer reviews, collaborative design of a teaching unit, and a final exam are required.

Instructor(s):

Nancy Pelaez

E-mail:

npelaez@purdue.edu

Textbook(s):

Course Format:

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