Further training for teachers: Pupils' perceptions of evolution: diagnosis and handling in the classroom (kick-off event)

Teaching and learning in the field of evolution poses a particular challenge, as it is a complex subject that is often counter-intuitive for learners to understand. What has proven to be true in our everyday lives often proves not to be (entirely) true in an evolutionary biology context. Two everyday ideas are of particular importance for the two-day training course: Firstly, learners transfer human characteristics and ways of thinking to nature (anthropomorphic ideas), e.g. when assuming an intentional phylogenetic adaptation of individuals. Secondly, there is extensive empirical evidence that biological explanations are based on the purpose, purposefulness or adaptive necessity of living beings (teleological ideas). This becomes clear, for example, in the following student statement: "Giraffes got long necks because they needed them to reach food at height."

The training explores the question of how pupils' ideas can be efficiently diagnosed and used in lessons to support the understanding of evolution. Video sequences will also be reflected upon. After the first seminar session, participants will have the opportunity to try out the diagnostic tools and concepts they have learned about dealing with students' ideas. For this purpose, materials for their own lessons will be provided and possible applications in the context of a series of lessons on the topic of evolution will be discussed.

In the final seminar session on 30.03.2023 (09:00 - 15:30), participants will reflect on their (own) handling of student perceptions in a collegial setting and on the basis of (their own) video recordings of evolution lessons, and alternative courses of action will be discussed on a situational basis. The recording of own videos is desired, but not mandatory.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Helge Martens (University of Kassel) & StR. Jens Steinwachs (University of Münster)

Registration:
Registration is possible via the website of the Center for Teacher Education: http://www.uni-kassel.de/go/anmeldung_lehrkraeftefortbildung/