Meta-synthesis of STEM and technology integration tools in science education: The case of Turkey

It is seen that technology integration tools are being used more frequently in education with STEM education, which is a holistic education system that starts from pre-school period until higher education and equips individuals with 21st century skills. The aim of this study is to show the situation of STEM education and technology integration tools in science education in Turkey between the years 2017-2021, and to detail the similarities and differences of these approaches according to the sub-problems within the framework of the themes created. Qualitative research method is chosen as a research method, meta-synthesis, document analysis and descriptive analysis are used. Scientific studies in databases such as ERIC, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Dergipark, Ulakbilim, Research Gate, National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education (YÖKTEZ) were used as data collection tools. The research includes studies conducted with secondary school students between the years 2017-2021. Within the scope of the research, a total of 288 academic studies are examined and 135 of them are included in the research. Studies are given in detail in the form of a table. After the tables are created, the studies were divided into four main themes. It is tried to answer eleven sub-problems of each theme. The reliability of the study are found by taking the "Miles and Huberman" reliability formula, and validity of the study are found by taking the "Expert Opinion". Based on the findings can be evaluated that STEM and technology integration tools affect students' academic achievement and attitudes positively. Among the sub-problems in the studies, it was concluded that the most studies were conducted in 2019 in each theme, the most studied was the master's thesis, and the 7th grade sample groups were studied at most. In the light of the findings and results of the research, various suggestions are made for YÖK, MEB and researchers for studies on STEM and Technology integration tools. It is hoped that the research will guide future studies as it shows the existing trend in STEM and technology integration tools in Turkey. Keywords: STEM, Science Education, Technological Integration Tools, Meta-Synthesis