Table 4 Suggestions for increasing student understanding of evolution based on the fifteen studies included in this review, along with four additional studies that described teaching strategies in higher education, and Craig Nelson’s essay (2000)

Clearly define and discuss the nature of science

Scharmann (1990, 1993), Sinclair et al. (1997), Nelson (2000), Cherif et al. (2001), Alters and Nelson (2002), Sinatra et al. (2003), Kliman and Johnson (2005), Lombrozo et al. (2008), and Rice et al. (2011)

Clearly define and discuss scientific theories

Scharmann (1993), Sinclair et al. (1997), Nelson (2000), Alters and Nelson (2002), Wilson (2005), Kliman and Johnson (2005), and Lombrozo et al. (2008)

Develop critical thinking skills

Nelson (2000), Alters and Nelson (2002), Ingram and Nelson (2006), and Lombrozo et al. (2008)

Use a diversified instructional strategy based on active learning techniques

Scharmann (1990, 1993), Jensen and Finley (1995), Sinclair et al. (1997), Nelson (2000), Cherif et al. (2001), Alters and Nelson (2002), McKeachie et al. (2002), Sinatra et al. (2003), and Wilson (2005)

Discuss religious beliefs along with evolution but do not be adversarial concerning student’s religious beliefs

Johnson and Peeples (1987), Sinclair et al. (1997), Matthews (2001), Sinatra et al. (2003), Ingram and Nelson (2006), and Robbins and Roy (2007)

Discuss the students’ tendency to make a dichotomous choice between evolution and religious beliefs

Scharmann (1990), Sinclair et al. (1997), Nelson (2000), and Alters and Nelson (2002)

Utilize a conceptual-change learning model (a constructivist approach)

Bishop and Anderson (1990), Scharmann (1993), Demastes et al. (1995), Jensen and Finley (1995), Matthews (2001), and Alters and Nelson (2002)

Discuss multiple perspectives associated with evolution and their implications on society

Brem et al. (2003) and Wilson (2005)

Use the theory of evolution as a central theme for developing course content in introductory biology courses

Sinclair et al. (1997)

Discuss human evolution

Nelson (2000) and Wilson (2005)

Explain to students that evolution is important in their everyday lives

Kliman and Johnson (2005)