Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of scientific literacy of primary school teachers who work for the Ministry of National Education schools and reveal the teachers’ attitudes towards science and science teaching. In order to find out the scientific literacy levels of primary school teachers, the Scientific Literacy Test developed by Bacanak (2002) was used. Besides, Science and Science Teaching Attitude Scale developed by Moore and Foy (1997) and translated from English to Turkish by Türkmen (2002) was applied to search pre-service science teachers school teachers’ attitudes toward science and science teaching. Based on the scientific literacy, the level of scientific literacy primary school teachers is under below. A significant difference has been found between scientific literacy levels of teachers and the number of Science Teaching Method Courses taken by the teachers. General attitudes of teachers toward science and science teaching have been found positive. In general, it has been determined that teachers understand the nature of science but they cannot differentiate science and technology. While it is regarded as science teaching, a student-centered education is necessary, a teacher centered education is supported as well. Finally, the relationship between teachers’ developed attitudes of scientific literacy level and science and science teaching has been researched and has not been seen a meaningful relation.

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