Why Don’t People Think Evolution Is True? Implications for Teaching, In and Out of the Classroom

• DOI: 10.1007/s12052-011-0371-0
• Publication Date: 2011-12-13T08:43:48Z
• Authors: Warren D. Allmon
• Keywords: Explication; Empirical evidence

The causes of non-acceptance evolution are groupable into five categories: inadequate understanding the empirical evidence and content modern evolutionary theory, nature science, religion, various psychological factors, political social factors. This multiplicity is not sufficiently appreciated by many scientists, educators, journalists, widespread rejection a much more complicated problem than these front-line practitioners think it is. Solutions to must therefore involve just further resolution "religion vs. science" controversy. They also better communication for evolution, effective explication explicitly addressing numerous significant obstacles that presents (perhaps most) people. There no clear roadmap how do all this, but some practical recommendations include (1) research on why when different people accept or they exposed it, especially role "scientific" "affective" non-acceptance, apparently deeply rooted acceptance. (2) A explicit approach should support often-stated goal "where students are" prior implementing kind approaches frequently advocated teaching evolution. (3) Integration multiple educational perspectives academic disciplines application pedagogical strategies in actual settings. (4) Increased development education settings beyond K–16 classroom, such as museums, centers, zoos, parks, aquaria.