Investigation of the grounded mental models in star subject of prospective science teachers by mathematical algorithms

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the models related to star subject as one of the concepts of astronomy of prospective science teachers before and after the current instruction through model analysis. This modeling situation is expressed as a Grounded Mental Model (GMM), since there will be a mental modeling that is revealed according to what is presented within the limits defined to the person. The research was conducted with an integrated case study and experimental design. The study group consisted of 73 prospective science teachers. In this study, the Star Subject Concept Test (SSCT) developed by the researcher was used as the data collection tool. In the analysis of the data, score, concentration factor and concentration deviation, algorithms and matrices which are among the model analysis elements were used. At the end of the study, it was determined that pre-test questions were LL (Low-Low) type and post-test showed HH (High-High) type modeling. As a result of the determined individual model density matrices of the prospective teachers, it was determined that the majority of the GMMs they had before teaching about the star concept were in Inconsistent Mixed Models, At the end of the teaching period, it was determined that the majority of the candidates had GMMs reflecting the status of the Consistent Dominant Scientific Model. According to the class model density matrices, prospective teachers were found to be inconsistent in star identity question group in terms of GMM in pre-test; in the post-test, it was observed that the model status of the class of prospective teachers in terms of GMM are highly inclined towards the correct expert model but they exhibit inconsistent status. While similar results were obtained in the question of the structure of the star, in the question of life cycle of the star, it was determined that almost all of the prospective teachers were oriented towards the same physical model. In the light of the results obtained, suggestions were made to be used to evaluate the current situation before teaching, to examine the effectiveness of different teaching methods, to do workshops on this subject and analysis software development.