Abstract:

This study was carried out to identify the perspectives of the preschool teachers as regards the teaching of the subjects related to science and nature during early-childhood period. A total of 52 preschool teachers working in Kastamonu participated in the study. To collect the data for the study, “Personal Information Forms” and “Interviews Forms” were used. Of the qualitative analysis methods, “Descriptive Analysis” was employed in the study. Besides, the percentage of the teachers’ responses was first expressed numerically and then interpreted. The analysis of the interviews reveals that most of the teachers are of the opinion that the objectives and the outcomes of the current preschool programme is adequate enough and that the current preschool programme supports the teaching of the subjects related to science and nature in terms of content. The teachers, however, express that the current preschool programme does not properly prepare the children for their future lives and for the future educational levels. Moreover, while stating that the subjects related to science and nature in the preschool curriculum promote such attitudes among children as curiosity, openmindedness and scepticism, most of the teachers state that the physical conditions and the equipment of the classes are not sufficient enough to teach the subjects of science and nature; and that in-service trainings for the teaching of the preschool subjects related to science and nature are needed

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