2023 Volume 73 Issue 1 Pages 23-27
ee main revisions to high school biology textbooks. First, the two-subject structure of the previous revision (2012 to 13) is retained with “Basic Biology” (2 credits) for lower grades, which is widely taken regardless of career path, and “Biology” (4 credits) for upper grades, which is studied by students interested in biology who will apply to science-related universities. Second, “Basic Biology” is now designed for students in whom active learning is encouraged. Third, a unit on evolution has been placed at the beginning of “Biology” and other topics (genetics, physiology, development, ecology, and taxonomy) follow to be understood from the perspective of evolution. However, the third point does not follow T. Dobzhansky's famous doctrine: “Biology makes no sense unless it is viewed in the light of evolution” and high school teachers have complained that this textbook makes it difficult to teach. In response, publishers have been producing textbooks that to not following the guidelines. The “Basic Biology” textbook has already been in use since April 2022 and the new “Biology” textbook will be used in classrooms beginning April 2023.