Use of the Drawing-Writing Technique to Determine the Level of Knowledge of Pre-Service Teachers Regarding Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of pre-service science teachers in Turkey regarding the different types of renewable energy sources, the methods used for obtaining energy from these sources, and the areas of use for these energy sources. Within the context of the study, the drawing-writing technique was used in order to determine the level of knowledge of the pre-service teachers. A total of 106 pre-service science teachers were asked to make drawings related to the subject and purpose of the study; they were then asked to describe the drawing they made. Based on the study results, it was determined that while the majority of pre-service teachers could list solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy as sources of renewable energy, only a few mentioned geothermal, biomass, wave, and hydrogen energy as sources of renewable energy. In addition, some of the pre-service teachers mentioned nuclear energy as a source of renewable energy, which indicated that they possessed incorrect information regarding renewable energy sources.

Keywords: renewable energy, pre-service science teacher, sustainable energy, drawing-writing technique