Skills Development Programme for Teachers: Ignite Discovery in Evolution Education

Evolving a skills development programme for teachers. Discovery starts here…

In science, knowledge is constantly changing “No matter how well one theory fits observations, a new theory might fit them just as well or better, or might fit a wider range of observations. In science, the testing, revising, and occasionally discarding of theories, new and old, never ends” (Benchmarks for Science Literacy, 1993:8)

Are teachers equipped to teach new topics? • "I don't feel comfortable because most of the concepts are knew to me and to the learners, unlike in the past old education system where I used to teach (subject) topics I am used to.”

Teaching how to learn. “I believe that if we could do one thing to change this country it would be to invest more in the training and support of our teachers. And if we could change only one thing in the mind of a teacher, I believe it would be to help them see that science, or more specifically, scientific method, teaches us the most valuable thing we will ever learn. And that is: How to learn.” André Croucamp

Do we need new methodologies for teaching teachers? “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. “ Albert Einstein, (attributed)US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

A successful symposium? • 200 responses • 95 attendees • BEFORE: 80% uncomfortable/not confident to teach evolution • AFTER: 76% concerns addressed • 94 participants enjoyed the workshop

A Teachers’ Symposium on Evolution. TEACHERS SYMPOSIUM ON EVOLUTION Sci-Bono Discovery Centre invites Life Science Facilitators and Educators to participate in a dynamic exploration of the theories, issues and concerns in Teaching Evolution in Schools WELCOMING ADDRESS Kanthan Naidoo Chief Education Specialist for Life Sciences, National Department of Education WALKING TALL Andrea Leenen & Greg Melville-Smith The Palaeontological Scientific Trust presents their Walking Tall program and physical Theatre performance. A learner education program that uses theatre and workshops to teach concepts about evolution and aims to stimulate interest in careers in science and arts. HOW DO WE BUILD KNOWLEDGE TOGETHER? ANDRE CROUCAMP An exciting group exploration of the impact of the theory of evolution on our personal belief systems and on our lives. PUT ON YOUR DE BONO HATS. Dr. JOSEF DE BEER An interactive hands-on workshop showcasing innovative teaching strategies that facilitate the learning of evolution in the classroom.

Key Elements of a teacher development programme. • Endorsement by Department of Education • Methodology • Methodology • Methodology • Evaluation • Rewards

Methodology, methodology, methodology • Passionate Specialists • Encourage curiosity and questioning • Creating safe, comfortable learning spaces • Innovation and creativity • Promoting the scientific method as a valid means for knowledge creation • Practical, implement-able classroom strategies and activities

Encouraging curiosity and questioning. • "Before the workshop I was afraid to tell learners that I don't know some of the questions that they were asking. I thought they will lose confidence in me as their educator. (Now) I will be in a good position to answer all questions from my learners. I have learnt some strategies in answering questions.“ Teacher

Creating safe, comfortable spaces for learning “The play presentation can be useful to learners to learn in a relaxed manner.” Teacher

Innovation & Creativity in Science Education. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Is knowledge enough? • “ Evolution is very much complicated, some of the things our learner’s don’t believe, but for the sake of exams, they have to believe them.” • “It has a lot of theory, in such a way that learners forget everything.”

The Scientific Method

Using the Scientific Method in the classroom • "By outlining the principles governing the theory of science versus the theory of religion, I think that can make teaching evolution easier"

Using the Scientific Method in the classroom • "Scientific reasoning helped me to equip myself in answering questions in a real practical classroom situation“

Using the Scientific Method in the classroom • "Attending the workshop taught me that the theory of evolution can be proven. Systematic presentation improved my understanding and the reasons why the module is being studied at school level.“

De Bono’s Hats and Jigsaw Method in action

Old dogs can learn new tricks. • "The lecture on the De Bono Hats helped me to realise that I should teach the facts and allow learners to derive their own opinions“ • The De Bono hats was very exciting. I'm definitely going to use them" • ""it was a meaningful session and I wish more time could be added to the De Bono & Jigsaw Method activities because that is what the teachers need in their classrooms“

What topics can we assist teachers with?

Designing a way forward • Evaluation • Allow teachers to evaluate workshops – conduct baseline and summative assessments.

Did the workshop contribute to knowledge in a useful way? How?

The role of evolution in everyday living “ …. I tried to persuade Doby how much more effective and impressive it would be if he who was rated as ‘one of the greatest geneticists in the world’, were to deliver in Johannesburg a powerful, scientific counterblast to the racial assumptions that underlay South African’s policies.” Phillip Tobias, Into the Past – a Memoir, 2005

Is the theory of evolution useful in modern day science? • Resistant Bacteria • Gene Mutation • DNA

Can teaching evolution help us save our planet?

Thank you Thandi O’Hagan Education Officer, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

Skills Development Programme for Teachers: Ignite Discovery in Evolution Education

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