Evolution and Ethics as Core Topics of Biology Teaching – an Innovative Course at the University of Vienna

Abstract

The seminar “Evolution and Ethics” at the University of Vienna aims to prepare biology teacher students for the teaching of the complex and often controversial topics of evolution and (bio)ethics. Although evolution is regarded as a central explanatory theory in biology, it is often inadequately represented in textbooks and curricula, and many students (and also future teachers) struggle to understand and accept its principles. Similarly, ethical issues, which affect nearly all areas of biology education, present significant challenges. The seminar is designed to promote interactive learning and continuous perspective shifts, with students alternating between the roles of researchers, teachers, learners, and feedback-giving colleagues. To achieve this, students are challenged to analyse and evaluate existing teaching materials for both topics as well as planning and executing teaching sequences in authentic microteaching situations, and engaging in critical self-reflection after receiving feedback. Thus, students learn how to effectively address these demanding topics in the classroom. The concept of a “sheltered workshop” allows students to exper­iment with new methods and social forms, and to learn from failures. The results show that this approach enhances students’ didactic skills and prepares them, in combination with their increased competence in assessing and using available tools and materials, to handle ethical and evolutionary topics in school teaching.