STEM-focused design and efficiency investigation of laboratory applications for pre-service science teachers

In this research, it is aimed to investigate the effects of the Science Teaching Laboratory Applications II course carried out by STEM focused on the awareness, competence and competence perceptions and STEM teaching intention of pre- service science teachers. Mixed methods research design which was applied to pre-service science teachers was used in this research during their third years in the department of science teaching in the faculty of education of a university during 2016-2017 spring semester. The study group of the research is composed of 35 pre-service science teachers. The qualitative study group of the research was conducted with nine pre-service teachers who were chosen from 35 pre-service teachers. The Science Teaching Laboratory Applications II course was carried out within the framework of STEM education with these 35 teacher candidates in two separate groups. Quantitative data of the study were collected by integrative STEM teaching intention questionnaire, STEM awareness scale, and STEM concept maps form. The qualitative part of the study was carried out with a case study. Qualitative data of the study were collected by the lesson plans developed by the teacher candidates, the STEM activity module disciplinary content form, the STEM educational opinion form and field notes for the applications of the teacher candidates. The analysis of the quantitative data was made by t-test. Qualitative data were analyzed by the methods of descriptive analysis, content analysis and constant comparative data analysis. It has been determined that STEM applications during the research have improved the awareness of STEM education and STEM teaching intentions. Furthermore, it was determined that the pre-service science teachers could apply STEM education and that the perceptions of competence during the process showed improvement in the positive direction. Pre-service science teachers were able to plan and implement activities for STEM education.