A study on improving the awareness of science teachers about out-of-school learning

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the effect of activities carried out at a project on teachers' awareness about out-of-school learning. In line with this purpose, a science center was designated as an out-of-school learning setting and 24 science teachers were trained accordingly. Practical studies have been carried out on developing activities for out-of-school learning settings. In this study, instrumental case study design was used. Two separate forms consisting of open-ended questions were used before and after the project. At the beginning of the study, the teachers stated that they were confident in organizing trips to out-of-school environments. However, when they were asked what they did during the trips they organized, it was seen that their practices were limited to the procedures and the control of the students, but their awareness of associating the trips with the lesson was quite low. At the end of the study, it was found participant teachers’ awareness and knowledge of organizing qualified field trips improved due to the practical activities. They reported that they realized what needs to be done for a quality visit and also learned the characteristics of the observation form, worksheets and educational games that should be prepared for these visits.