Abstract:

The aim of this study is to determine the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM awareness levels of elementary school teachers and to give teachers’ opinions towards STEM education practices. The study is a descriptive study. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used to collect data. The "STEM Awareness Scale", which was developed by Buyruk and Korkmaz 2016 was used as the quantitative data collection tool. The scale is a five-point Likert type scale. The validity and reliability studies of the scale were applied to 197 elementary school teachers for the qualitative data, “STEM Education Elementary School Teacher Semi-Structured Interview Form”, which consists of 15 questions and was developed by the researchers, was applied to 15 teachers. According to the result of the research, it was determined that the classroom teachers had high awareness level regarding STEM and this situation does not statistically differ according to gender, professional seniority and the type of the faculty. In consequence of the analysis of the qualitative data, it was concluded that classroom teachers have a positive opinion about STEM education practices

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