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ERIC Number: EJ1070733
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Jun
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1609-4913
EISSN: N/A
Still Persistent Global Problem of Scientists' Image
Türkmen, Hakan
Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, v16 n1 Article 8 Jun 2015
Pre-service teachers' views of science and scientists have been widely studied. The purpose of this study is to identify whether there is problem of image of scientists and determine where they receive about scientist image. Three hundred thirty five (105 from Turkey, 162 from Europe, 68 from US) elementary pre-service teachers participated in this study. This study showed that pre-service teachers perceived about stereotypic scientist indicators which are "Caucasians", have "facial hair", and indicator of "symbols of research" and "symbols of knowledge", "technology" were almost same percentage. Moreover, there often is a lack of perspective in "Indications of Danger", "Indications of Secrecy", and "Mythic Stereotypes". The ethnic minority representation was the minimum rate. All pre-service teachers think that highest sources of image of scientist are orderly teacher, parents, friends, and media, but parents friends and media are not very crucial source for Turks as much as Europeans and the Americans. Both groups were influenced to a considerable degree by teachers, the content of science textbooks and books, this study illustrated the possible impact of the curriculum. The impact of science teachers and textbooks has shaped what a scientist is and what a scientist does. However, field trip and assessment, and projects related scientist are not common in science lessons. The view of Turkish pre-service teachers is less focused on them than Europeans' and the Americans. Eventually, stereotypical images of the scientist are a slightly lesser than revealed in previous studies but stereotypes of scientists are widely persistent even among elementary pre-service teachers. Pre-service elementary teachers' images of scientists and attitudes toward science may be affected by the way science is taught in their teacher education programs. The most recent primary level of science curriculum programs includes activities to engage students in the manner of constructivist approach for the US, European countries and Turkey. Results showed that if how effective using this educational perspective elementary pre-service teacher' minds will be touched and they will complete understanding of what science and a scientist is in their minds.
Hong Kong Institute of Education. 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong. Tel: +011-852-2948-7650; Fax: +011-852-2948-7726; e-mail: apfslt@sci.ied.edu.hk; Web site: http://www.ied.edu.hk/apfslt
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Tests/Questionnaires; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Belgium; Netherlands; Turkey; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A