On teaching less biology better in the secondary school

Abstract

Scope of Study: The general biology course in the secondary schools can be both interesting and practical. The writer has observed that many teachers of general biology do not know what they are trying to accomplish. Consequently their courses are seldom practical. This report is a study of the aims and objectives of general biology course for the secondary school, together with some suggestions as to how these objectives may be accomplished. An effort has been made to collect ideas about the content of a modern course and also to demonstrate justification for that content.

Findings and Conclusions: The range of biological concepts that can be considered important is so great that sufficient time is not available to present all of them in one year. The superficial coverage of a great many concepts does not impart as mu.ch learning as does the thorough coverage of fewer concepts. The foremost aim of the general biology course is to produce the biologically literate individual. The best possible material should be used to present in an understandable form the most important principles of biology; to make clear certain biological concepts; to demonstrate what biology is today and what it is not; to inculcate in the student an understanding of and the desire for critical mindedness so as to foster accuracy of observation and clear reasoning; to inspire the spirit of science as an adventure into the unknown; to help him correlate his religious and philosophical thought with scientific fact and theory; and finally to help students to understand the world, and man's place in it.