Este estudo tem por objetívo trazer contribuições para os cursos de Biologia da escola secundária, focalizando o ensino de Evolução. As concepções dos estudantes foram estudadas e comparadas com alguns detalhes fundamentais do desenvolvimento das teorias originais de Charles Darwin, bem como com escritos de quatro estudiosos de sua obra, que se mostraram relevantes para os conteúdos escolares. Parte do trabalho de Emanuel Radl (1873-1942), John C. Greene, Robext Maxwell Young e Ernst Mayr foi apresentado criticamente. Alguns deles entendem que o darwinismo seja uma visão de mundo, outros o pensam como um grupo de teorias biológicas particulares. A presença do Homem no Orígin of Species foi discutida após pesquisas realizadas com os manusritos originais de Charles Darwin, particularmente com o capítulo 6 do \"Longo Manuscrito\". Foram apresentadas evidências que algumas razões inesperadas podem ter impedido que uma seção sobre o Homem fosse escrita no Orígin of Species. Foram apresentados livros escritos por Julian Huxley e Kettleweil, nos anos 60, e Richard Dawkins, mais recentemente, na tentativa de mostrar algumas fontes de influência sobre o entendimento que o grande público tem das teorias evolutivas. Onze estudantes de nível secundário foram entrevistados e 192 estudantes responderam a um questionário, de maneira a explicitar suas concepções após o ensino desse tópico. O livro didático utilizado nos seus cursos foi analisado, com o objetivo de verificar se suas concepções erróneas poderiam ter sido confirmadas quando estudavam esse tópico. As recomendações de 19 Secretarias de Educação foram também analisadas. Os resultados mostram pequeno entendimento das teorias biológicas. O significado da Evolução parece ser muito mais amplo do que seria de se esperar do ponto de vista do entendimento do darwinismo enquanto conjunto de teorias biológicas particulares. Evolução é entendida como estando ligada primordialmente ao Homem. Os alunos tendem a entender Evolução como progresso, crescimento, multiplicação e melhoramento. Evolução Biológica e Cultural parecem estar intimamente ligadas a uin mesmo amplo significado. Adaptação é vista como um processo individual, que ocorre durante o transcorrer da vida do organismo. Este estudo mostrou que existem algumas razões específicas para esses resultados, uma vez que o conhecimento aparece distorcido nas escolas. Uma versão simplista do desenvolvimento das teorias biológicas é apresentada aos estudantes, sem levar em consideração suas próprias concepções a esse respeito. Versões que não são mais aceitas no campo académico continuam a ser veiculadas por livros didáíicos, revistas de ampla circulação e livros destinados ao grande público. Foram apresentadas algumas evidências de que existem razões ideológicas para essas distorções, especialmente das relações entre os trabalhos de Darwin e Mendel Novas estratégias de ensino se mostram necessárias, bem como uma nova versão do desenvolvimento do darwinismo deveria ser oferecido aos alunos. Nesse sentido, as obras de August Weismann e Herman Muller deveriam ser consideradas na reconstrução do desenvolvimento das teorias biológicas entre 1837 e 1937. / This study aims at further improving quality to general high school Biology courses, focusing on the teaching of Evolution. Students\' conceptions were studied and compared with some critical details of the development of Charles Darwin\'s original theories, as well as with the writings of four Darwin Scholars, which are relevant to school contents. Part of the work of Emanuel Radl (1873-1942), John C. Greene, Robert Maxwell Young and Ernst Mayr was presented critically. Some of them regard darwinism as a world view others as a group of particular biological theories The presence of Man in Origin of Species was discussed, as the result of some pieces of research done with Charles Darwin\'s original papers, particularly with chapter 6 of the \"Long Manuscript\". Evidences were presented showing thaí some unpredictable reasons may have prevented the writing of a section on Man in Orígin of Species. Books written by Julian Huxley and Kettlewell, in mid 60Js, and by Richard Dawkins, more recently, were presented, trying to show some sources of influences on the public understanding of this topic. Eleven High School pupils were interviewed and 192 were tested, in order to show their conceptions after they had been taught the topic. The Biology textbook used in their courses was analyzed, in order to know whether their misconceptions could have been confirmed when studying the topic. The directions set by 19 Brazilian Educational Authorities were analyzed too. Results show a very poor understanding of the biological theories. The meaning QÍ Evolution seems to be far broader than what was expected, as far as darwinism, as a group of particular biological theories, is concerned. Evolution is seen as primarily related to Man. Pupils tend to understand Evolution as progress, growth, multiplication, and improvement. Biological and Cultural Evolution seem to be tied up with the same broad meaning. Adaptation is seen as an individual process, that occurs just during organisms life span. This study showed that there are some specific reasons for these results, as knowledge is distorted at schools. A very simplistic version of the development of the biological theories is presented to pupils, disregarding their own conceptions. Versions that are no longer accepted in academic grounds have been presented by textbooks, popular magazines and books aimed at the general public. Some evidence is given that there are ideological reasons for these distortions, particularly the relations between Darwin\'s and Mendels works. New teaching strategies are needed, as well as a new version of the development of darwinism should be offered to pupils. In this regard, August Weismann\'s and Herman Muller\'s work should be considered to reconstruct the development of biological theories between 1837 and 1937.

Este estudo tem por objetívo trazer contribuições para os cursos de Biologia da escola secundária, focalizando o ensino de Evolução. As concepções dos estudantes foram estudadas e comparadas com alguns detalhes fundamentais do desenvolvimento das teorias originais de Charles Darwin, bem como com escritos de quatro estudiosos de sua obra, que se mostraram relevantes para os conteúdos escolares. Parte do trabalho de Emanuel Radl (1873-1942), John C. Greene, Robext Maxwell Young e Ernst Mayr foi apresentado criticamente. Alguns deles entendem que o darwinismo seja uma visão de mundo, outros o pensam como um grupo de teorias biológicas particulares. A presença do Homem no Orígin of Species foi discutida após pesquisas realizadas com os manusritos originais de Charles Darwin, particularmente com o capítulo 6 do \"Longo Manuscrito\". Foram apresentadas evidências que algumas razões inesperadas podem ter impedido que uma seção sobre o Homem fosse escrita no Orígin of Species. Foram apresentados livros escritos por Julian Huxley e Kettleweil, nos anos 60, e Richard Dawkins, mais recentemente, na tentativa de mostrar algumas fontes de influência sobre o entendimento que o grande público tem das teorias evolutivas. Onze estudantes de nível secundário foram entrevistados e 192 estudantes responderam a um questionário, de maneira a explicitar suas concepções após o ensino desse tópico. O livro didático utilizado nos seus cursos foi analisado, com o objetivo de verificar se suas concepções erróneas poderiam ter sido confirmadas quando estudavam esse tópico. As recomendações de 19 Secretarias de Educação foram também analisadas. Os resultados mostram pequeno entendimento das teorias biológicas. O significado da Evolução parece ser muito mais amplo do que seria de se esperar do ponto de vista do entendimento do darwinismo enquanto conjunto de teorias biológicas particulares. Evolução é entendida como estando ligada primordialmente ao Homem. Os alunos tendem a entender Evolução como progresso, crescimento, multiplicação e melhoramento. Evolução Biológica e Cultural parecem estar intimamente ligadas a uin mesmo amplo significado. Adaptação é vista como um processo individual, que ocorre durante o transcorrer da vida do organismo. Este estudo mostrou que existem algumas razões específicas para esses resultados, uma vez que o conhecimento aparece distorcido nas escolas. Uma versão simplista do desenvolvimento das teorias biológicas é apresentada aos estudantes, sem levar em consideração suas próprias concepções a esse respeito. Versões que não são mais aceitas no campo académico continuam a ser veiculadas por livros didáíicos, revistas de ampla circulação e livros destinados ao grande público. Foram apresentadas algumas evidências de que existem razões ideológicas para essas distorções, especialmente das relações entre os trabalhos de Darwin e Mendel Novas estratégias de ensino se mostram necessárias, bem como uma nova versão do desenvolvimento do darwinismo deveria ser oferecido aos alunos. Nesse sentido, as obras de August Weismann e Herman Muller deveriam ser consideradas na reconstrução do desenvolvimento das teorias biológicas entre 1837 e 1937. / This study aims at further improving quality to general high school Biology courses, focusing on the teaching of Evolution. Students\' conceptions were studied and compared with some critical details of the development of Charles Darwin\'s original theories, as well as with the writings of four Darwin Scholars, which are relevant to school contents. Part of the work of Emanuel Radl (1873-1942), John C. Greene, Robert Maxwell Young and Ernst Mayr was presented critically. Some of them regard darwinism as a world view others as a group of particular biological theories The presence of Man in Origin of Species was discussed, as the result of some pieces of research done with Charles Darwin\'s original papers, particularly with chapter 6 of the \"Long Manuscript\". Evidences were presented showing thaí some unpredictable reasons may have prevented the writing of a section on Man in Orígin of Species. Books written by Julian Huxley and Kettlewell, in mid 60Js, and by Richard Dawkins, more recently, were presented, trying to show some sources of influences on the public understanding of this topic. Eleven High School pupils were interviewed and 192 were tested, in order to show their conceptions after they had been taught the topic. The Biology textbook used in their courses was analyzed, in order to know whether their misconceptions could have been confirmed when studying the topic. The directions set by 19 Brazilian Educational Authorities were analyzed too. Results show a very poor understanding of the biological theories. The meaning QÍ Evolution seems to be far broader than what was expected, as far as darwinism, as a group of particular biological theories, is concerned. Evolution is seen as primarily related to Man. Pupils tend to understand Evolution as progress, growth, multiplication, and improvement. Biological and Cultural Evolution seem to be tied up with the same broad meaning. Adaptation is seen as an individual process, that occurs just during organisms life span. This study showed that there are some specific reasons for these results, as knowledge is distorted at schools. A very simplistic version of the development of the biological theories is presented to pupils, disregarding their own conceptions. Versions that are no longer accepted in academic grounds have been presented by textbooks, popular magazines and books aimed at the general public. Some evidence is given that there are ideological reasons for these distortions, particularly the relations between Darwin\'s and Mendels works. New teaching strategies are needed, as well as a new version of the development of darwinism should be offered to pupils. In this regard, August Weismann\'s and Herman Muller\'s work should be considered to reconstruct the development of biological theories between 1837 and 1937.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the teaching of evolution in selected grade 10 classrooms in Namibia. Some teachers from Oshikoto region in Onyaanya circuit have indicated the difficulties they have encountered when teaching the topic in Life Science of Namibian curriculum. Moreover, the teaching of evolution has a great practical value for student directly or indirectly, evolutionary biology has made many contributions to society. An understanding of evolution is essential in finding and using natural resources and it will be indispensable to establish sustainable relationship with the natural environment. Specifically, this study examined a set of variables including teachers’ understanding of evolution. The data were collected from Life Science teachers through administration of evolution content knowledge. Qualitative case study approach was employed. The population comprised of three Life Science grade 10 teachers from three schools. Three teachers were selected by using a purposive sampling technique. The sampling technique was chosen because is relevant to the conceptual framework and the research questions addressed by the research. The qualitative research was executed by applying the phenomenological method. Mason (2012) claims that: “qualitative research is used when the research wishes to understand meanings, beliefs and values”. The study was drawn from the theory of social constructivism theory by Vygotsky, 1978. According to Vygotsky, (1978) “much important learning by the child occurs through social interaction with a skilful tutor”. The researcher collected qualitative data by means of classroom observations and semi-structured I with three Life Science teachers from three different schools. The following research questions were attempt to be answered: What is the nature of teacher’s content knowledge on evolution teaching in grade 10? What is the nature of teachers’ instructional strategies during evolution teaching? How does the teachers’ content knowledge and instructional strategies shape the teacher’s interactions and discourse? The collected data was analysed using Classroom Practice Diagnostic Framework (CPDF). Participants used their teaching experiences to teach evolution. This study indicated a lack of content knowledge among teachers and teaching and learning resources at schools. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education allocate enough textbook funds to regions to cater for every learner’s textbook. Life Science education officer should collaborate with biology education officer to organise a workshop for Life Science teacher in their region. The workshop will equip teachers with more information on evolution and will help in the improvement of learners’ performances. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

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