The teaching of evolutionary theory and the Cosmos–Evidence–Ideas model

Abstract

Evolutionary theory (ET), as many researchers have pointed out, is one of the cornerstones of Biology, whose understanding facilitates the study of all its other fields since it offers general and dominant explanations for the phenomena it examines. Thus, the intense research activity presented in relation to the teaching and learning of evolution is justified. Various methodological approaches attempt to conclude in an effective way how to overcome the barriers associated with the acceptance and understanding of ET. In the present research, the usefulness of the Cosmos–Evidence–Ideas (CEI) model as a tool for enhancing the effectiveness of selected activities for teaching ET is tested. Two different Teaching Learning Sequences (TLS) were designed, implemented, and evaluated, in one of which CEI was used as a design tool. Next, a comparison of the evaluation outcomes of the two TLSs was conducted. It was found that students from both groups increased their performance. This increase was slightly greater for the students who were taught evolution through the TLS, designed with the CEI model. An interpretation is given for the extent of that increase related to the model's characteristics, and suggestions for better improvement in the future are included. To sum up, there are indications that the CEI model might have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of a TLS for ET when used as a design tool.