Examining the relationship between science teachers' personal orientations and individual innovativeness levels

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between science teachers' personal orientations and individual innovativeness levels. In this descriptive study, the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research approaches, was used. The sample of the research consists of 424 teachers working in secondary schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in many provinces, especially in Istanbul, Siirt and Elazig, in the 2022-2023 academic year. "Individual Innovation Scale", "Personal Orientations Scale" and "Personal Information Form" prepared by the researcher were used to obtain the research data. To answer the research questions, descriptive statistics were reported, t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was a moderate and high level, positive and significant relationship between the teachers' personal orientations scale sub-dimension mean scores. Intuitiveness, inquiry and creativity orientations of teachers were found higher than other orientations, respectively. It was determined that the personal orientations of the teachers differed significantly according to the variables of gender, being involved in any TUBITAK project, and the support of innovative ideas in the schools where they worked. It has been determined that the teachers are highly innovative according to the general average score of the individual innovativeness scale. In addition, it was determined that the majority of the teachers were high in innovativeness and in the innovative categories, in the pioneering and then inquiring categories. It has been determined that the individual innovativeness levels of the teachers differ significantly according to the education level and the support status of innovative ideas in the schools where they work. It was concluded that teachers' industriousness, scientificness, creativity and intuitiveness orientations predicted approximately 38% of individual innovativeness. It was determined that an increase in the sub-dimensions of diligence and scientificness was associated with a decrease in the total score of the individual innovativeness scale. In addition, an increase in creativity and intuitiveness sub-dimensions was found to be associated with an increase in the total score of the individual innovativeness scale. In line with the findings obtained from the research, suggestions were presented to the literature. Keywords: Education, Indıvidual Innovativeness, Innovation, Innovative, Innovativeness, Orientation, Personal Orientation, Science Teacher, Tendencies