Perspectives of Science Teacher Candidates Regarding Scientific Creativity and Critical Thinking

Abstract

This Study Was Performed With The Participation Of 31 Science Teacher Candidates In Their Second Year Of Higher Education, Enrolled In The Science Education Department Of A University In Turkey. During The Study, The Teacher Candidates Were Asked Two Open-Ended Questions. The Validity Of These Questions Developed Specifically For This Study Was Evaluated By Two Expert Researchers. The Aim Of The Study Was To Determine How Science Teacher Candidates Viewed The Concepts Of Scientific Creativity And Critical Thinking. The Results Of This Study Indicated That The Science Teacher Candidates Did Not Have An In-Depth Understanding Or Interpretation Of The Concept Of Scientific Creativity, And That Their Knowledge Of Critical Thinking Was Correct, Yet Insufficient.

Key Words: Science Teacher Candidates, Scientific Creativity, Scientific Thinking, Originality, Fluency, Flexibility.