Preservice Science Teachers’ Perceptions towards Scientists

Abstract

The aim of the research is to determine the perceptions of preservice science teachers, participated course named History and Nature of Science taught with explicit-reflective approach, towards scientists. It is also to reveal the expectations of participants from the scientists in the context of social contribution. For this aim the study is planned in a phenomenological design. Participants of the study consisted of 32 science teachers who were studying in the 3rd grade. In the research process, video demonstrations, lecturing by questioning and answering methods, article review studies, activities related to the nature of science and sharing reflections about the activities were done. In this way, participants were provided with the necessary prerequisite knowledge within the scope of the study. Drawing, “A New Society” activity questions and structured interview form were used as data collection tools. Content analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data obtained in the study. As a result of the analysis of the data, preservice teachers' perceptions about scientists were found to be compatible with the literature in the categories of physical and personal characteristics, study areas, working environments and social contribution of scientists. However, differently the literature, scientists' perceptions regarding their gender are perceived equally rates for women and men.