Abstract:

In this study, science teachers' views, problems encountered and competencies regarding the applicability of laboratories according to today's teaching approach were examined. Sequential explanatory design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in the research. The quantitative research design of the study was used in the descriptive method, while the qualitative research was used in the phenomenology (phenomenology) design. In this study; laboratory proficiency scale and semi-structured opinion form were used to collect data from science teachers. And in addition, the physical and security conditions of the laboratories as well as their compliance with the curriculum were evaluated through the checklist. In the analysis of the data, the SPSS 23.0 package program was used for the quantitative data and descriptive analysis was performed. Content analysis technique was used in qualitative data analysis. According to the results of the study, some teachers stated that they use the laboratory actively and they consider themselves sufficient in this context. When examined in terms of gender, the level of competence of women in laboratory studies is higher than that of men, and the result was determined within the scope of the study. It is among the results of the study that teachers feel inadequate in having maintenance and repair knowledge skills. In addition, most of the teachers stated that the laboratory equipment was sufficient, but they stated that the class size was a problem and they thought to reduce the use of the laboratory in case of a possible safety problem. As a result of the laboratory control questionnaire, the teachers made positive statements regarding the suitability of the physical location of the laboratories for use and daily experiments. According to the data obtained on the regulations and the incentives that can increase the teacher motivation in the use of the laboratory, the general view is that there should be separate additional courses for the laboratory.

Keywords: