Abstract:

The aim of this study is to explain how planning educational trips out of school environments for training purposes should be as well as to determine the opinions and the practices of prospective science teachers. The study that lasted for two years was carried out in parallel with the elective course "Science Education in Informal Learning Environments" in the Spring Term of the Academic Year of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Thirty-four 4th grade prospective science teachers participated in the study from the Giresun University Education Faculty Science Teaching Programme. In line with the research, educational trips to six different places were organized. The research data used in qualitative research observation form and semi-structured interview technique were obtained. The observed results showed that prospective science teachers were careful, willing, and joyful in all field trips and worked in cooperation. The interview results also showed that prospective teachers' knowledge and their self-confidence increased for educational trips for training purposes planned.

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