A Study on Views of Observation and Experiments in a Metaphor-making Task in Science Classes : In the Case of Teacher Trainees after Teaching Practice in Elementary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research the views of teacher trainees on observation and experiments in science classes after teaching practice in elementary schools. Analysis of their answers to the questionnaire indicated the following: 1. The main elements of the teacher trainees' views of the aims and roles of observation and experiments were 'experience' and 'interest'. 2. They considered that 'to verify a prediction' is important as one of the aims and roles of observation and experiments, but it was not considered to be the main element. 3. There were few differences in their views of observation and experiments depending on the number of times they had observed science lessons and taken part in reflection meetings, and depending on the frequency with which they had undertaken teaching practice in science classes.