The International Journal of Developmental Biology

Int. J. Dev. Biol. 47: 141 - 144 (2003)

Vol 47, Issue 2-3

Special Issue: Teaching Developmental Biology

Teaching embryology to undergraduates in the Faculty of Education at Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey

Published: 1 January 2003

Irfan Yilmaz

Department of Biology Education, Buca Faculty of Education Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. irfan@nil.com.tr

Abstract

This report reviews the way in which classical embryology is taught and interpreted at the Buca Faculty of Education, in Dokuz Eylul University (Turkey). This university is one of the leading teacher-education institutions in Turkey. My course is taught with appreciation of the fact that students are thinking ideologically rather than scientifically with regard to creationism and evolution in both cognitive and educational processes. However, this ideological orientation, along with lack of classroom time and material resources, hinders my goal of a student-centered education. Being flexible with regard to philosophical and metaphysical issues on which concepts of evolution and creationism are in conflict, is constructive for student development and represents the approach I endeavor to pursue.

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