Investigation of prospective science teachers' cognitive structures of stem and problem solving skills and stem teaching orientations

The aim of this study is to investigate cognitive structures, problem solving skills and the integrated STEM teaching orientation of pre-service science teachers. Mixed method design is used in this study. While the quantitative data are collected by using 'Word Association Test' (WAT), Problem Solving and Integrated STEM Teaching Orientation Scales, he qualitative data are by using reflective diaries. 24 junior pre-service science teachers who are enrolled in a public university participated in the study. The data was collected during 2017-2018 fall semester. Data obtained from WAT are analyzed by breakpoint technique and correlation coefficient formula. SPSS 20 package program is used for the analysis of quantitative data and content analysis method is used for the analysis of qualitative data. The findings of WAT revealed more connected conceptual structure at the end of the study. It was also determined that the problem-solving skills and the orientation of the integrated STEM instruction were significantly improved with the STEM activities. The analysis of reflective diaries showed that there was a gradual improvement in STEM competencies of pre-service teachers from the first activity to the last activity.