The Michael Reiss Issue

 
I agree with Michael Reiss that we should challenge creationists head-on by debunking their claims in science class. When students bring up bogus objections to evolution we should make sure they understand why they are wrong. It's all part and parcel of teaching critical thinking—the main objective in education [see The Royal Society and Teaching Creationism].

Some people disagree. They think that even mentioning these bogus objections in class lends credence to creationism. This is what I call the Ostrich Approach to teaching.

The New Humanist has an article on the controversy [Creationism in schools row rumbles on]. Here's the issue as they see it.

The issue of creationism in class is a difficult one. Critics such as Kroto, Roberts and Dawkins are understandably wary of religious ideas being allowed anywhere near school science labs, especially at a time when creationist organisations and proponents of Intelligent Design are stepping up efforts to shoehorn their ideas into science curricula. But if we take Reiss at his word (and if you read the blog posted on the Guardian last week, it's clear he wasn't suggesting creationism should be taught), then wasn't he just pointing out that the classroom should be a forum for free and open debate, and teachers must be ready to enter discussion with their pupils, and put them right when the views they bring from home clearly contradict the overwhelming evidence for evolution? Isn't this part of the aim of education?

PZ Myers has weighed in against Reiss [Michael Reiss's big mistake]. According to PZ ...

Michael Reiss, the director of education, is pushing this idea with a noble and reasonable intent: he thinks it is the only way to reach some students who will shut off learning if their religious biases are challenged. Unfortunately, he's also suggesting that non-science/anti-science concepts should be specified as a course objective in science classes, he's buying into common creationist propaganda ploy, and he's asking for unwarranted deference for wrong ideas held for unscientific reasons by students. He argues for respecting misplaced concerns.

I don't agree with PZ. I think he misunderstands what Michael Reiss is advocating and, furthermore, I think he's projecting an American perspective on to teaching in the UK.

The New Humanist website is running a poll on the question. The poll asks for your views on Michael Reiss' opinion. The choices are:

• Outrageous – creationism has no place in schools and he should be removed from his post


• Irresponsible – no one wants to stifle debate, but his comments risk encouraging the encroachment of creationism into schools


• Misunderstood – his sensible comments on free debate were misrepresented by hysterical media


• Brave – In a scientific community hostile to religion, he has made a stand for open debate

So far 54% are calling for Reiss' dismissal and 41% say he is irresponsible. I voted for the third option on the assumption that "hysterical media" includes "hysterical bloggers."

---