مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON INTEGRATION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGİNEERİNG, AND MATHEMATİCS (STEM)

Abstract :

The aim of this study is to explore prospective science teachers’ views on the integration of science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. In this qualitative study following a case-study design, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 prospective science teachers. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form. The data obtained from interviews were analyzed through content analysis and then interpreted. As a result of the interviews, it was seen that although most of the prospective teachers asserted there was a relationship among science, technology, mathematics, and engineering, they were not self-confident to use technology and engineering in that process or to design such a science teaching process. On the other hand, all the prospective teachers mentioned the advantages of science teaching (in terms of students/teachers/the country) through an interdisciplinary approach for the integrated science, technology, mathematics, and engineering education. In addition, a great number of prospective teachers pointed out that in order to apply such an interdisciplinary science teaching, there should be some lessons in undergraduate education which enable science teachers to gain knowledge and experience in this sense. In conclusion, it was revealed that prospective teachers had a positive attitude towards science teaching based on science, technology, mathematics, and engineering, but rather than students they firstly need experience and knowledge in terms of design/application of interdisciplinary science teaching.