LARRY
SCHARMANN
Professor of secondary education
Chair of department of secondary education
Larry
Scharmann, professor and chair of Kansas State University's secondary
education department, has been working to let people know the teaching
of evolution at the high school level can be non-threatening to
both teachers and students.
While teachers become concerned about students losing interest on the topic, students are concerned their own beliefs are being threatened. Scharmann said neither group needs to feel threatened.
He has set up a lesson plan with four components: engagement, exploration, explanation and elaboration, to allow students an opportunity to voice their own opinions on evolution before the actual teaching process begins.
Scharmann also has been active in making known the concerns of the teacher shortage in Kansas.
He received his bachelor's degree in biology and secondary education in 1978 and his master's in science education in 1980, both from the University of Nebraska. He received his doctorate in science and environmental education from Indiana University in 1985.
Scharmann served as a graduate faculty member upon his arrival at K-State in 1989. He served as an associate professor in the department of secondary education from 1991-96, when he was promoted to professor. He has served as the department chair since 1995.
Scharmann can be reached at 785-532-6938 or by e-mail at lscharm@k-state.edu.