Science Perceptions of Prospective Class Teachers

Abstract

The perceptions of class teachers, who will deliver science education at the elementary school, of information and science are significant as these affect the quality of education received by children.  The aim of this research is to determine perceptions of prospective class teachers of science. The sample group of the research consists of 120 prospective class teachers. Quantitative research method is employed, word association test is used in the research for data collecting. Findings are presented with conceptual networks and frequency tables. It has been determined that prospective teachers can make associations among the concepts of physical science, science, technology, experiment and scientific method whereas they cannot associate science education with science to an adequate level, and they have a part of the elements regarding nature of science. Some recommendations are given based on the research results.

Keywords: science education, perception of science, teacher education, prospective teacher.