Study on the implementation of “Human Genetics” education in secondary schools: Differences in interest between secondary school teachers and clinical geneticists

Abstract

The genome analysis technology, characterized by next-generation sequencing, has remarkably developed genetic medicine and clinical genetics involves ethical considerations of far-reaching consequences. Therefore, knowledge of genetics is important not only for medical professionals but also for the general public. In Japan, mainly the genetics of non-human organisms is included in the education at school. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the differences between the interest levels of teachers of secondary education and clinical geneticists (CGs) in human genetics through a questionnaire survey. The aim was to clarify what is required to introduce human genetics education at school level. As per the results, about 75% of the teachers were interested in human genetics and acknowledged the necessity of teaching this subject to a wider population. However, some teachers had doubts about the efficacy of the introduction of the course in schools. Many teachers of human genetics found it difficult to handle the ethical considerations related to the subject. Moreover, more than half the teachers and the CGs responded that extending school time and adequate course content were required to effectively introduce human genetics in schools. In the future, a more elaborate educational policy framework will be needed to incorporate the subject of human genetics in compulsory school curriculum.