Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
07:37
Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications
Published on: January 19, 2018
18.4K
"Where do I even start?" Recommendations for faculty diversifying syllabi in ecology, evolution, and the life
Tolulope I N Perrin-Stowe1, Melissa Horner2, Jaime J Coon3,4
1Wisconsin Institute for Discovery Madison Wisconsin USA.
Ecology and Evolution
|January 9, 2023
Summary
This paper offers a framework for higher education educators to create inclusive ecology and evolution curricula. It provides strategies for anti-racist and anti-colonial teaching to support minoritized students and diversify scientific fields.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Evolution Education
- Higher Education Pedagogy
- Anti-Racist and Anti-Colonial Studies
Background:
- Diversifying curricula is a growing priority in higher education, particularly in science fields like ecology and evolution.
- Many educators lack clear starting points for implementing inclusive and equitable teaching practices.
- Addressing systemic injustices is crucial for the retention and success of minoritized students in these disciplines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a practical framework for developing anti-racist and anti-colonial syllabi in higher education.
- To support educators in diversifying their courses and creating a sustainable network for professional learning.
- To offer actionable strategies for incorporating diverse perspectives and critically examining foundational scientific concepts.
Main Methods:
- Development of a sustainable network of educators engaged in curriculum diversification.
- Creation of resources and suggestions for highlighting contributions of minoritized groups.
- Exploration of multiple ways of knowing and critical assessment of established scientific views.
- Analysis of classroom dynamics influencing anti-racist and anti-colonial initiatives.
Main Results:
- A framework is presented for integrating anti-racist and anti-colonial principles into standard curriculum goals.
- Resources and professional development strategies are shared to aid educators.
- Guidance is provided on incorporating diverse knowledge systems and critically evaluating scientific foundations.
- Key classroom factors influencing the success of these initiatives are identified.
Conclusions:
- Implementing anti-racist and anti-colonial syllabi is essential for fostering inclusive higher education environments.
- The provided framework and resources can catalyze educators' efforts to diversify ecology and evolution courses.
- Addressing field-specific injustices is directly linked to improving outcomes for minoritized students.
Related Concept Videos
02:55The Evidence for Evolution
43.2K
Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.
43.2K
01:19What is Biodiversity?
27.7K
Biodiversity describes the variety of living things at multiple organizational levels: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Species diversity includes all branches of the evolutionary tree from single-celled prokaryotic organisms, bacteria, and archaea, to the eukaryotic kingdoms: plants; animals; fungi; and protists. To date, there have been about 1.75 million species identified, and new species are discovered every week.
27.7K
01:24Biodiversity and Human Values
13.3K
Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather patterns and therefore human civilizations.
13.3K
01:15Natural Selection and Adaptation
279
Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations,...
Beyond physical adaptations,...
279
01:27Diversity of Protists II
81
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
81
01:15Diversity of Protists I
70
Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
70