Critical Thinking Tendencies of Geography Teacher Candidates in Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine the critical thinking levels of geography teacher candidates. The research was descriptive and conducted in a relational survey model. The population of this study consists of students of the geography department of Karadeniz Technical University, Atatürk University and Marmara University education faculties located in Turkey. The sample group constitutes 246 teacher candidates randomly selected from this universe. Californian Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) consisting of 6 dimensions and 51 items which is a Likert type measurement with 6 points was used for data collection. The scale consists of analyticity, open-mindedness, inquisitiveness, self- confidence, truth-seeking and systematicity. Study variables such as gender, teaching experience, grade level and the type of high school graduated from were analyzed using SPSS 16 software using ANOVA and t tests. The data obtained in the study were collected during the fall semester of the academic year 2014-2015. The significance of the data was tested on the basis of .05 level. Considering the subscale averages of the scale, it is seen that geography teacher candidates’ analyticity is 4.50, open-mindness 3.25, inquisitiveness 4.42, self-confidence 4.06, truth-seeking 3.65, and systematicity 3.52. According to the result of the research; it is concluded that geography teacher candidates have a low level of critical thinking tendencies.