Views on 2004 4th and 5th grades science and technology course instruction program

This study aims to determine elementary education inspectors?, schooladministrators?, teachers? and students? viewpoints about the Science andTechnology curriculum for 4th and 5th grades developed in 2004.In this study qualitative research methods are used. Data is collected by usinginterview and observation techiques.As a result of the research, it is concluded that in general elementaryeducation inspectors hold a positive attitude towards the new curriculum and theyfind the change in the curriculum necessary.The inspectors, claiming that they come across with troubles because of theresistance of teachers who don?t tend to put the program into practice. They alsosuggested that it is necessary to supply the vital circumstances to apply this programin an effective way.School administrators who believe in the obligation of 2004 science andtechnology curriculum claim that it is sometimes hard to conduct classes appropriatefor the instruction program due to the lack of physical substructure( laboratory,material?etc.) at schools.While 4th and 5th grade teachers state that it is obligatory to make a changein the curriculum which should be step by step, they make a positive arguement forthe new Science and Technology instruction program. During the interviews, theclassroom instructors attract attention to the point that with the new program it wouldbe possible to have questioning and investigating individuals but they also putemphasis on the negative points of the program. It is seen that the classroominstructors who criticize the in-service training to introduce the program with respectto its duration and quality have difficulty in applying the program. It is suggestedthat necessary studies should be made on the factors affecting the effectiveapplication of the instruction program such as in-service training, the number of thestudents, physical equipment?etc.In addition to the conclusive fact that most of the 4th and 5th grade studentsare unaware of the change in Science and Technology instruction program, it is clearthat the students who are aware of the change bear a positive perspective on Scienceand Technology classes. The rationale behind their positive attitude is thought to berelated to 2004 Science and Technology curriculum?s teaching and learningapproaches.