The application of problem solving method on science teacher trainees on the solution of the environmental problems

Helping student to improve the problems solving skills is the primary target of the science teacher trainees. In modern science, for training the students, methods should be used for improving their thinking skills, make connections with events and concepts and scientific operations skills rather than information and definition giving. One of these methods are problem solving.With this study, it is shown that problem solving is not just solving a movement problem like in the physics as it is understood by most of the science teachers but it can be used also in social problems like environmental problems. Further more, scientific operation skills, problem solving attitudes and academic success of teacher trainees who use problem solving method in solving environmental problems are investigated.The study is an experimental work, and pre-test last-test grouped patterns are used. The study has been carried on with 102 students of Gazi University, Gazi Education Faculty, Primary Education Department, and Science Teacher Sciences of 2003-2004 Academic Years. In the experimental group problem solving method is used whereas in control group traditional methods are used. The data gathered to test the study hypothesis were evaluated by using SPSS package program. As a result of the analyzes, it is found that the science teaching based on problem solving improves scientific operations skills of the teacher trainees, increase their attitude points towards problem solving and increase their grades to be obtained in environment success tests.

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Problem Solving ,

Science Teacher Education ,

Environmental Problems ,