Posted on 10/05/2007 6:26:08 AM PDT by SubGeniusX
The teaching of evolution is becoming increasingly difficult in UK schools because of the rise of creationism, a leading scientist is warning. Head of science at London's Institute of Education Professor Michael Reiss says some teachers, fearful of entering the debate, avoid the subject totally.
This could leave pupils with gaps in their scientific knowledge, he says.
Prof Reiss says the rise of creationism is partly down to the large increase in Muslim pupils in UK schools.
He said: "The number of Muslim students has grown considerably in the last 10 to 20 years and a higher proportion of Muslim families do not accept evolutionary theory compared with Christian families.
"That's one reason why it's more of an issue in schools."
Prof Reiss estimates that one in 10 people in the UK now believes in literal interpretations of religious creation stories - whether they are based on the Bible or the Koran.
Many more teachers he met at scientific meetings were telling him they encountered more pupils with creationist views, he said.
"The days have long gone when science teachers could ignore creationism when teaching about origins."
Instead, teachers should tackle the issue head-on, whilst trying not to alienate students, he argues in a new book.
'Not equally valid'
"By not dismissing their beliefs, we can ensure that these students learn what evolutionary theory really says - and give everyone the understanding to respect the views of others," he added.
His book; Teaching about Scientific Origins: Taking Account of Creationism, gives science teachers advice on how to deal with the "dilemma".
He supports new government guidelines which say creationism should not be discussed in science classes unless it is raised by pupils.
But Prof Reiss argues that there is an educational value in comparing creationist ideas with scientific theories like Darwin's theory of evolution because they demonstrate how science, unlike religious beliefs, can be tested.
The scientist, who is also a Church of England priest, adds that any teaching should not give the impression that creationism and the theory of evolution are equally valid scientifically.
Dr Hilary Leevers, of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, said science teachers would be teaching evolution not creationism and so should not need a book to tell them how to "delicately handle controversy between a scientific theory and a belief".
"The author suggests that science teachers cannot ignore creationism when teaching origins, but the opposite is true," she said.
Teachers could discuss how creationism differed from scientific theory if a student brought up the subject, but any further discussion should occur in religious education lessons, she said.
A Department for Children, Schools and Families spokesman said it had recently published guidelines to teachers on the issue.
"Creationism and intelligent design are not scientific theories nor testable as scientific fact - and have no place in the science curriculum. "But we advise science teachers that when questions about creationism come up in lessons, it provides an opportunity to explain or explore what makes a scientific theory."
Really, falsify it then.
What’s the “published specific peer-reviewed falsification criteria” for the theory of gravity?
Where there is no bias in a system, there is no ID.
Next...
One of them is honest and up front about the fact that their theory is based in religion, and the other tries to hide it by pretending to be science.
Glad I’m not a teen anymore.
“You’re wasting your time.”
I can’t help it.
So you admit that there is no published falsification criteria for Evolution (and wish to change the subject)?!
Gee, perhaps you’ve just touched upon one reason why it’s so tough to teach Evolution in a classroom...
Your focus is too narrow on your “groups”.
The biggest supporters of evolution are those that seek to deny the existence of a Creator to whom they will be held accountable for their choices.
There is bias, it is called cognitive thinking, we have it other species doesn’t.
“I’m sure the creationists on FR will be appalled to find they have something in common with fundamentalist Muslims.”
I’m a creationist, and I’m not appalled. Muslims are humans as you are...so you have something in common with them as well....does that appall you?
Yes, there is bias! Very astute of you.
...but ID is falsified where there is no bias.
“Muslims are humans as you are..”
Not accordng to quite a few Freepers (I’m not one of them).
Understood, thanks
Guilt by association?
Seems like they’d like to equate creationism with Muslim theology, so they can discredit creationism.
So you admit that there's no published falsification criteria for the theory of gravity? (and wish to change the subject) Gee perhaps you've just touched upon one reason why your criteria for something being scientific is nonsense, a desperate and transparent attempt to hold one theory to a higher standard than all others, even though it doesn't contradict Christianity, simply because it also supports an alternative explanations to your own faith based one. That's what insecurity does to people.
Thanks!
“I find it fascinating when political correctness runs into these dilemmas.”
ain’t it a hoot? :D
Theories that have no falsification criteria aren’t scientific.
This particular thread is about Evolution in the classroom...a theory that has no published falsification criteria.
You seem to want to discuss *other* theories, instead. I understand why you are so reluctant to stick to the topic at hand, but please try.
The preponderance of evidence wins.
Isn’t that what scientific inquiry is all about?
In a word, no. The reason Muslims object is because their culture is diametrically opposed to all forms of scientific inquiry. (Some) Christians object to evolution because they believe the answers are wrong; (most) Muslims object because they believe that it's wrong to ask the questions.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.