Biology teachers: genetics educational needs and related values stances

Area of Science:

• Genetics Education
• Science Education
• Societal Implications of Genetics

Background:

• Secondary school biology teachers' confidence in teaching genetics varies.
• Teachers feel less knowledgeable about recent genetics advancements impacting the science/society interface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the genetics educational needs of secondary school biology teachers.
• To inform curriculum development for genetics education at both secondary and tertiary levels.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 542 secondary school biology teachers across four diverse US states.
• Data analysis focused on identifying gaps in teachers' knowledge and confidence regarding genetics topics.

Main Results:

• Teachers expressed high confidence in teaching classical and molecular genetics.
• Teachers reported lower knowledge of recent genetic developments, particularly those at the science/society interface.
• A need for training in human genetics, medical genetics, and teaching controversial issues was identified.

Conclusions:

• Teachers require further professional development in contemporary genetics, including human and medical genetics.
• Effective teaching of current and controversial genetics topics necessitates training in pedagogical approaches for sensitive subjects.
• University-level general genetics courses should prioritize recent human genetics advancements to better prepare the future public.