Examination of prospective teachers' perspectives on science and scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic period

The purpose of this study is to describe and examine in depth the general views of pre-service teachers about how they view scientists and what their expectations are from science - scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic process seen both in our country and all over the world. Descriptive scanning was used in the study. In this context, the study group consists of 495 volunteer teacher candidates studying at Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Education in the fall semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The data collection tool of the study is the questionnaire form created after semi-structured interviews. It is a measurement tool prepared specifically for this study based on a certain systematic. During the development of this questionnaire, qualitative research techniques and data analysis methods were used, and the alternatives in the multiple-choice part of the questionnaire were revealed from this qualitative dimension of the study. This prepared form includes 20 closed-ended, 1 open-ended and illuminating probes with the themes of "Perspectives on scientists, expectations and perspectives on science". Under each closed-ended question is the other option. With this option, participants can express their opinions in writing if they wish. The first 20 questions in the questionnaire were analyzed by calculating frequency and percentage values. The 21st question was analyzed with an inductive approach in order to thematize and reveal the relations of the data with each other. According to the results of the study, it was determined that pre-service teachers realized that science and scientific thinking are a part of daily life with the COVID-19 pandemic process, and through this process, they understood the value of scientists better. As a suggestion, the educational dimension of the study can be compared by conducting similar research with students studying in different departments. In addition, longitudinal studies with different education levels from pre-school to secondary education can provide more information to researchers to determine opinions on COVID-19, science and scientists.