Abstract:

The aim of this study is to determine pre service science teachers’ understandings and concepts about nature of science via concept maps. For this purpose, concept map software program called “Inspiration” was used. The study group in this research consists of 64 pre service science teachers who are studying in the department of science education in spring semester of 2011- 2012 at a metropolitan university. Firstly, pre service science teachers were given one hour training session in concept mapping. Then, participants were introduced about “Inspiration” software program and were taught how to use it. And then, participants were asked to construct concept map about the nature of science. The results of the study showed that pre service science teachers held inadequate views about the nature of science. Also this study showed that “concept maps” can be used as assessment tool in determining understandings about the nature of science

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