The effect of EtnoSTEM activities on preschool students' cognitive field development, problem solving and scientific process skills

The aim of this research is to study the impact of integrated activities for preschool students within the framework of EtnoSTEM activities on students' cognitive field development, problem-solving and scientific process skills. The research was carried out using a semi-experimental method with a quantitative dimension of pre-test-final test experiment and control group, while the qualitative dimension used a phenomenological pattern. The study was conducted with 38 preschool students studying at a primary school in Niğde province in the educational year 2022-2023. During the six-week period, six activities were implemented to the experimental group in accordance with the EtnoSTEM teaching strategy, while activities to the control group in the framework of the current curriculum. The data were collected using the Problem Solving Skills Scale the Scientific Process Skills Test and the Cognitive Field Development Form, prepared using the 2013 Pre-School Program of the Ministry of Education, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Students and teachers' opinions on the qualitative dimension of the study were examined in accordance with the phenomenology pattern. The study revealed that EtnoSTEM activities have a positive impact on students' cognitive field development and scientific process skills, but there is no significant difference in their problem-solving skills. Teachers and students noted that the activities raise interest in learning, raise cultural awareness, and make a positive contribution to students' areas of development. For future research, different methods and different age groups may be suggested. Different studies will be conducted to investigate the effects of different variables such as male-female, socio-economic level, brotherhood.