Abstract:

Evolution theory is an important field of modern biology. The integrative role that evolutionary theory plays within biology is recognised by most scientific authors. However, evolution theory is frequently misunderstood or even rejected and teaching and learning evolution seem problematic in many countries. There are differences in attitude and understanding of evolution in different societies, and it is observed that sociocultural factors such as the type of religious influence and acceptance of evolution have a strong influence on evolution education. Findings indicate that learning to explain evolution is a very individual process where the students depart from several distinct ideas and take different trajectories. Religiosity is an important factor that explains the variance in acceptance of the evolutionary theory. Students with more scientifically accurate views of nature of science show greater acceptance of the evolutionary theory. The aim of the study was to clear out Latvia students' comprehension and attitude towards evolution theory. The electronic survey of Latvia high school and university students was carried out. 12th-grade secondary school students from 2 Riga schools and the University of Latvia 1st course pedagogical specialities students were surveyed. Altogether 206 students were questioned. The results of the research showed that the majority of Latvia students have a partial interest in evolutionary theory, or they have some interest in evolution theory, but it has not been time for them to go into it more deeply. More high school students in comparison with university pedagogical specialities students have a deep interest in the theory of evolution. More pedagogical specialities students have forgotten the nuances of evolution theory in comparison with high school students. Most Latvia students support the point of view that the theory of evolution should be included in the school curriculum. Most high school students think that students should learn evolutionary theory at the secondary school level. More pedagogical specialities students in comparison with high school students suggest that students must obtain the basis of evolutionary theory already at the primary school level. Some of the students believe that the theory of evolution in the school is acquired deep enough, but some think it needs to be more polished. Most students consider that the basic theory of evolution is true, but some think it is outdated or they have forgotten it. Students believe that society has a supportive attitude towards evolution theory in general, but many people do not go into it and do not understand it. Students have different opinions about whether evolution theory contradicts religion or not. Latvia students consider that there is a need to some extent pay more attention to the promotion of evolutionary ideas in society. Including different issues of evolutionary theory in the school, the curriculum can contribute to a better understanding of evolution theory by students and lead to the improvement of scientific literacy of society.

Keywords:

Evolution theory, students, education, religion, society.