The effect of the eco-teachers digital platform on the global social responsibility awareness levels of science teachers

The purpose of this study is to determine the Global Social Responsibility (GSR) levels of science teachers and to examine the effect of the "Eco-Teachers Platform" developed for teachers on these levels. In line with this objective, an online platform was created to raise teachers' awareness of global and environmental issues and to provide a space for sharing good practices. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. The data were gathered using a Personal Information Form, the Global Social Responsibility Scale developed by Başer and Kılınç (2015), and a semi-structured interview form. Validity and reliability studies of the scale, including confirmatory factor analysis, were conducted. The study sample consisted of 91 science teachers working in a medium-sized province in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. A pre-test was administered, followed by a 14-week implementation of the Eco-Teachers Platform, and a post-test was conducted at the end of the process. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with teachers who actively used the platform. Quantitative data were analyzed using split-plot ANOVA, paired samples t-test, and independent samples t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings showed that teachers' GSR levels did not differ significantly based on gender, place of work, years of experience, or childhood residential area. However, a significant difference was found in the "Action-Oriented Responsibility" sub-dimension based on the type of housing lived in during childhood. Comparison of pre-test and post-test scores revealed a statistically significant increase in favor of the post-test. These results indicate that the Eco-Teachers Platform contributed positively to the development of science teachers' global social responsibility. The qualitative findings supported this result, with participants stating that the platform enhanced professional collaboration, awareness, and sustainability.