Life Sciences & SMERC Seminar: Using Religious Cultural Competence in Evolution Education

GSoLS & SMERC Seminar
Using Religious Cultural Competence in Evolution Education (ReCCEE)

Dr. Elizabeth Barnes
Assistant Professor
Biology Department
Middle Tennessee State University

Register Here for Zoom Link

Abstract:
In this seminar we will discuss how instructors teaching evolution can reduce tension between a student’s religious identity and evolution. Evolution is a foundational component of biology education, yet it remains controversial among many college students who perceive a conflict between evolution and their religious beliefs. Further, this perceived conflict between religion and evolution can disproportionately effect people of color and women who tend to be more religious than white men. Biology instructors may struggle with addressing this perceived conflict between religion and evolution when teaching evolution because the majority of evolution instructors do not share the religious beliefs or backgrounds of their students; approximately 65% of college biology students identify as religious while only 25% of biologists identify as religious. Despite decades of evolution education research in the United States that illustrates how to reduce conflict between religion and evolution, we have found that many biology instructors are still uncomfortable addressing religious beliefs when teaching evolution. To highlight a need for cultural competence among biology instructors teaching evolution to religious students I will present an instructional framework called Religious Cultural Competence in Evolution Education (ReCCEE) that includes evidence-based practices to reduce students’ perceived conflict between religion and evolution and create more inclusive evolution education for religious students. I will discuss studies illustrating the efficacy of this framework and we will explore how such efforts may disproportionately benefit students of color and women.

Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates. All are welcome!
To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu


Contact
Elizabeth DiCesare
Event Snapshot
When and Where
February 24, 2021
1:25 pm - 2:15 pm
Room/Location: See Zoom Registration Link
Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

No

Topics
community outreach
diversity
faculty
interdisciplinary studies
research
student experience