This was the case when the accepted view of the earth at the center of the solar system was challenged by the theory that the earth was at its center. This view of science exposes theories as subject to constant testing and refinement. It also shows that some theories are better than others and that the rejection of fringe scientific theories is common in science, while core theories are unlikely to be rejected. Diagram of the process of knowledge acquisition and acceptance in science. Most of college science education relies heavily on the lecture, and is taught in its final form as facts to be remembered for exams.
Students lose their initial interest.
An appreciation of the dynamic view of knowledge as changing, being challenged, and constantly renewed and refined is absent in most general education science courses. Our lower division students, especially, are most often presented with textbook explanations that they must memorize to repeat during exams. Students work in groups, taking advantage of a diversity of backgrounds to help them learn from each other. Increased reliance on writing. Depth of treatment is emphasized over coverage of many subjects.