Pre-service teachers perceptions of environmental concepts

The aim of this study was to identify pre-service biology teachers? understanding about greenhouse effect, ozone layer, acid rain and biodiversity. A survey questionnaire and interviews were used to collect the data. One hundred and fifty two pre-service biology teachers from Gazi University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology Education participated in this study. After the survey questionnaire administered to the subject, 25 students were selected to conduct interviews. For the quantitative analysis, percentage and frequencies of students responses for each item were estimated. In order to compare the students? responses enrolled courses about environment and the students who were not a X2 test (Chisquare) was used for item-wise analysis of the questionnaire data. For explanation of the causes of students? responses for questionnaire statements, data segments were used obtained from interviews. In addition interviews were analyzed by using content analyse. Scientific and non-scientific ideas of each student participated in interviews were determined. The analysis of data reveals that pre-service biology teachers possess an array of incorrect ideas about these environmental concepts. However students enrolled to v courses on the environment have more clear ideas than students who were not, they also possess some similar misconceptions about these environmental concepts.