STEM Focused Professional Development Process Of Elementary School Teachers: An Action Research

The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of 2018 entering science curriculum STEM applications on the professional development of elementary school teachers. The aim was to investigate the STEM-focused professional development processes of elementary school teachers within a pre-determined theoretical framework. The action research was determined as a method. In this process, researchers and practitioners are in intense interaction. The data in the study, which is a qualitative study, were obtained from semi-structured interview form, video recordings, researcher diary, student products from six volunteer teachers and twenty-eight students in three elementary schools in the Seyitgazi province of Eskişehir in this project. STEM applications were conducted in the classrooms of two teachers selected from six volunteer teachers. The data obtained in there search were analyzed by descriptive analysis method. Finding of this study suggests, the applicability of STEM education, how the process of STEM education given to elementary school teachers, the effects of STEM education on the professional development of elementary school teachers, and how STEM education influences the development of students skills. The participated stated that STEM education is effective for professional development, but they have experienced difficulties such as time and financial insufficiency.