Project details: Preliminary research by the Darwin 200 CPD subcommittee
Funding Body
Wellcome Trust
Grant
£15,000
Description
As part of Darwin’s bicentennial in 2009, this study is commissioned by The Wellcome Trust to explore primary, secondary and post-16 teachers’ views and pedagogical approaches to evolution and other ‘Darwin-inspired’ science, and the resources and training needed to help them carry out meaningful teaching activities. The Wellcome Trust is interested in highlighting for students of all ages, the relationship between Darwin’s work and contemporary science. It is hoped that the findings of this study will assist teachers in developing a strategy for promoting the continued significance of Darwin’s work in contemporary science.
The research has three components: i) A literature review using electronic education databases, focusing on literature relating to teaching and learning about Darwin, evolution and other Darwin-inspired learning activities, and CPD in this area; ii) A curriculum audit considering the range of school and college science curricula, identifying which aspects of each relate to evolution and other Darwin-related topics; iii) Focus group meetings for teachers, held at the Science Learning Centres in Southampton and London, exploring teacher attitudes, pedagogical approaches and resource requirements. Findings will be available on The Wellcome Trust website in early 2008.
