Indonesian Preservice Elementary Teachers Positions and Underlying Argumentations of Darwinian Theory of Human Evolution
Ai Nurlaelasari Rusmana, Amaira Utami, Riana Nurismawati

Department of Science Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract

Evolution education remains one of the most controversial topics in the science curriculum worldwide, particularly in religious contexts. In Indonesia, where religious values significantly influence educational perspectives, it is crucial to understand preservice teachers positions on evolution in order to implement effective science education. This study investigated the views of Indonesian pre-service elementary school teachers on Darwinian theory of human evolution, exploring the arguments that underlie their perspectives. Employing a convergent parallel design, this study analyzed responses from 32 Indonesian preservice elementary teachers enrolled in fundamental science concept course. Data were collected through an open-ended question and analyzed using categorical coding by three science education researchers independently, with Cohens kappa reliability exceeding 0.8. The qualitative analysis was followed by simple descriptive statistics. The findings showed three different positions among the participants, that are acceptance (n = 3, 9.4%), rejection (n = 17, 53.1%), and neutral/non-committed perspectives (n = 12, 37.5%). Three types of underlying argument emerged: scientific evidence-based reasoning, cognitive obstacles (misconceptions), and emotional obstacles (religious beliefs). Notably, 18 out of 32 teachers (56.3%) employed co-existing argumentation strategies, utilizing multiple types of reasoning to justify their positions. This study demonstrates the complex interplay between scientific understanding, misconceptions, and religious beliefs in shaping the acceptance of evolution among pre-service teachers. These findings have significant implications for teacher education programs and evolution instruction in Indonesian contexts.

Keywords: Darwin, Evolution education, Human evolution, Preservice teachers, Indonesia

Topic: Science Education