Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the science teaching undergraduate program, which was put into effect in Turkey in 2018 and contains significant changes compared to previous programs, with the programs applied in the years 1998 and 2006, under 4 sub-themes as “Field Education”, “Professional Knowledge”, “General Culture”, and “Elective Courses”. Thus, the science teaching undergraduate program which was put into effect in 2018 was analyzed with the undergraduate programs of the years 1998 and 2006 in terms of different dimensions and it was tried to reveal their similarities and differences. The study was conducted using the document review method, which is among qualitative research methods. The science teaching undergraduate programs prepared by the Higher Education Council in 2018, 2006 and 1998, were used as data collection tools. The results acquired were analyzed via the descriptive analysis technique. As a result of the study, it was determined that there were significant differences between the undergraduate program of 2018 and the undergraduate programs of the years 1998 and 2006, in terms of the names, hours, periods and numbers of “Field Education”, “Professional Knowledge”, “General Culture” and “Elective Courses”. In the current program, it was seen that theoretical course hours of field education were reduced; whereas, applied course hours remained the same. Theoretical course hours of professional knowledge were increased; whereas, applied course hours were reduced. The greatest change in terms of course numbers was observed in the field of professional knowledge with 11 courses in 1998; 13 courses in 2006; and 22 courses in 2018. Additionally, the courses which were not available in other programs were added to the current program and an increase was determined in the rate of elective courses and variety of courses. It was seen that School Experience course forming a step to the teaching application in the current program, was omitted from the program. On the other hand, as a result of the study, the programs were examined comparatively and suggestions were made by revealing positive and negative aspects of the new program.

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