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Does all teaching rest on evolved traits?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2015

Laura Chouinard-Thuly  and
Simon M. Reader
Laura Chouinard-Thuly
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada. [email protected]@mcgill.cahttp://biology.mcgill.ca/faculty/reader/
Simon M. Reader
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 1B1, Canada. [email protected]@mcgill.cahttp://biology.mcgill.ca/faculty/reader/ Department of Biology and Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract

Classification schemes are useful when they elucidate common underlying mechanisms, bring together diverse examples, or illustrate gaps in knowledge for empirical investigation. Kline's scheme merges different approaches, but is orthogonal to existing schemes and overemphasizes evolved specializations, potentially at the detriment of clarifying teaching processes. Focus on underlying mechanisms, what is learned, and consequences for information transfer may provide additional utility.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 38 , 2015 , e36
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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