On the diversity of humans – scientific and educational considerations

Abstract

Diversity is a major factor in education and also an issue of human biology and biology instruction. The educational and the disciplinary aspects are connected by the aims of respecting the other and of accepting one’s own identity. The aim of the contribution is to act against the schemata of generalization, i.e. typological and linear thinking and the restriction of knowledge to dichotomies and mean values, in order to promote the awareness of the variability of humans and the reflection on stereotypes towards groups of humans of different geographical and cultural origins or gender. Based on the Model of Educational Reconstruction and a constructivist view of learning, topics of learning are analysed und interpreted in order to lead to a meaningful learning of the subjects. Results of research in science and science education will be used for educational purposes by pointing out key conceptions for learning and teaching diversity.