A Day at the Science Center: Examining the Experience of the Pre-Service Elementary Teachers on the Practices at the Science Center

Afyon Kocatepe University. ANS Kampusu, Egitim Fakultesi, Merkez, Afyonkarahisar 03200, Turkey. Tel: +90-272-2181740; Fax: +90-272-2281418; e-mail: editorkebd@gmail.com; Web site: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/akukeg

Y

22

Science Teaching Centers; Teaching Experience; Preservice Teachers; Elementary School Teachers; Educational Practices; Teacher Attitudes; Field Trips; Student Interests; Science Instruction

1308-1659

This research was carried out to reveal the experiences of pre-service elementary teachers during their visit to the science center and their observations and opinions about this experience. For this purpose, a case study, which is one of the qualitative research designs, was adopted. 32 pre-service elementary teachers participated in the research. Interviews, observations, and diaries were used to obtain the data, and the data were subjected to content analysis. As a result of the analysis, four themes were reached: image, interest, contribution, and improvement. The results show that pre-service teachers associate the science center image they create with technology, laboratory, and scientists. It was determined that pre-service teachers showed more interest in some disciplines of science, scientists, and technology-related fields in the science center. In addition, it was concluded that the science center would contribute to the innovative and productive vision, economy, and science literacy of the society in the city where it is located, science teaching, and the professional development of teachers. Finally, the pre-service teachers made suggestions to increase the contribution of science centers to the region and society. The results of this study are expected to be a valuable guide, providing science teaching experience and a qualified science teaching vision for pre-service elementary teachers in informal environments.

As Provided

2023

EJ1396860