Innovative Evaluation of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Nature of Science-Based Activity Practices and Their Integration with Science Subjects

Abstract

Our study is aimed to evaluate the views/perceptions of pre-service science teachers regarding the nature of science (NOS) through activities in the NOS and its Teaching course, which is a required course in the fourth grade, and to evaluate their opinions on the integration of the characteristics of the NOS into the contents of science subjects. Participants are fourth-year pre-service science teachers in two classes (N = 72). In line with the purpose of the study, a mixed research method was preferred, in which qualitative and quantitative approaches were used together. In the quantitative dimension of the study, a single-group pretest–posttest design was used, whereas a case study was used in the qualitative dimension of the study. As a result of the activities conducted, it was determined that there was a significant development in pre-service teachers’ views on the NOS. When the opinions of the pre-service teachers were evaluated, the following themes were obtained: contributions of the course to them, course content, and suggestions for improving the course. Recommendations were made based on the results and themes obtained.