Abstract:

In this study, teacher opinions on the content of science education at pre-school educational institutions are aimed to be analyzed. In addition to this, the current situation with regard to the applications of science education at pre-school level has been attempted to be identified. Target population of the study consisted of 150 teachers who worked with 36 to 72-month children at the primary school preschool classes and kindergartens affiliated to the Ministry of National Education and the day care centers affiliated to T. C. Minister of Family, Labour and Social Services, in Sivas province. The research has been carried out using case study design, one of the qualitative research method. A ‘Teacher Opinions Interview Form on the Content of Pre-School Science Education’ has been developed the purpose of the research. Content analysis performed by researcher, descriptive statistics were produced for the data and the frequency and percent values of matters were calculated. In conclusion %78.9 of teachers expressed positive opinion and %7.5 reported negative opinion about science standards. In line with the data obtained from the research, teachers who expressed positive opinions, it is considered that involvement of ‘content standards for science education’ in the curriculum would assist teachers in leading science activities, enable planning classroom activities appropriate for the age and development characteristics of children and create learning experiences for children on different subjects/concepts, by ensuring gradual improvement of science education. The results showed that teachers who expressed negative opinions have some worries about education programme, practicing, classroom environment.

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