Examination of the effects of the using of problem based learning method in the teaching science and laboratory practice course on pre-service science teachers

In this study, it was aimed at determining of the effects of the using of problem based learning method in the courses of "Teaching Science and Laboratory Practice I-II" on conceptual understanding levels, the perceptions about problem solving skills and their creativity of pre-service science teachers. To carry out the study, firstly the problem based learning modules about pre-service science teachers were prepared. The research method of the study was pre-test post-test quasi experimental design. The experimental process was implemented in the two classes. In the experiment group, problem based experiment method and designing experiment applications were used. In the control group, only experiment technique and designing experiment applications were implemented in the courses. As data collection tools in the study, "Open-ended Questions about determining the levels of constructing concepts of the students", "Problem solving skills" and "How is your creativity?" scales and semi-structured interview questions about the determining of the pre-service science teachers' views on problem based learning" were used. According to the results obtained from the research, it can be said that problem based learning method and experiment designing practices have improved the conceptual understanding levels and the perceptions about creativity of pre-service teachers in a meaningful and positive way compared to pre-service teachers in the control group.