Looking over this long list of factors affecting people's ability to learn about evolution, it is easy to see why evolution is such a challenging concept. From the earliest moments of life through adulthood, our innate intuitions, everyday experiences, and classroom introductions to evolution, we are primed to find evolutionary theory strange, difficult, and implausible, all factors that work against a person abandoning their folk theories for formal scientific ones. But as we more fully understand what we're up against, we can also develop more effective formal and informal learning experiences, and create environments that are emotionally and personally supportive as learners make this life-changing transition with the help of their teachers.
This project explores the obstacles that we face when teaching and learning about evolution.