Prospective biology teachers' attitudes toward animal dissection : implications and recommendations for the teaching of biology

Abstract

A sample of 242 prospective biology teachers at a South African university responded to a questionnaire on animal dissection in a science-related context. The students were required to answer questions relating to their experiences and attitudes toward animal dissection. The influence of gender, culture, and religion on their attitudes is discussed. The implications of the findings for teaching biological science are considered and a number of recommendations are made in regard to animal dissection in the biology classroom.