Knowledge levels of undergraduate students about RNA technologies and the effect of materials presented through inquiry based learning approach

In this study it is aimed to determine knowledge levels of science and biology teacher candidates about RNA technologies and to study the effect of materials presented through inquiry based learning approach on learning the subject. Also, the role of internet and printed media was studied.Pilot scheme was performed in spring term of 2010-2011 academic year to analyse validity and reliability of RNA and Technology achievement test developed to be used in the study. Total number of students having appropriate readiness level as to topic participated in the pilot scheme is 123. The questions that should be placed in or removed from the achievement test were determined according to analysis results and test was made ready for application.In this study, experimental model was used with pre-test and post test control group. Application group was chosen among science (N=38) and biology teaching (N=38) 1st years students. Logical Thinking Ability Test (LTAT) with RNA and Technology Achievement Test (RTAT) were applied to groups as a pre-test .After the determination of the balanced numbers of the groups as a result of the pre-test applications, science teachers? class was determined to be experimental group while biology teachers? class as control group by employing random method. While lessons were taught with guiding materials and Inquiry Based Learning Approach (IBLA) in experimental group, Traditional Lecturing Method (TLM) was used in control group. RTAT together with RNA Technologies Press-Internet Form (RTPIF) were applied as post test. Upon the application, semi-structured interview was done with 5 students chosen from experimental group.The data obtained through pilot scheme were analyzed with ITEMAN 3.50 for validity and reliability. In analysis of pre-test and post-test through SPSS 11.50, percentage and frequency distribution, Shapiro-Wilk test, Independent Samples T-Test, Paired Samples T-test were employed and qualitative analysis methods were used in evaluation of open ended questions and semi structured interview form at the last part of RTPIF.According the data obtained, it is seen that there is a significant increase between pre-test and post-test of guide materials and IBLA assisted experimental group. Increase in pre-test and post?test of control group with TLM is not found to be significant or meaningful in terms of statistics. When post test results are examined, experimental groups are found to be more successful than control group, but this difference is not significant statistically. Semi structured interviews results show that IBLA and guide materials are found to be beneficial by students. According to results obtained from RTPIF, it is seen that students prefer internet more compared to printed media in learning RNA Technologies related issues.