The Comparison between the effects of constructivist approach and traditional teaching method at teaching photosynthesis subject to science teacher candidates

The aim of this research is to compare the effect of science teaching based onconstructivist approach with the effect of science teaching based on traditionalapproach over the problem solving skills, achievement levels and attitudes towardsscience teaching of science teacher candidates (3. grade).The subject of research consist of 80, 3. grade students who have studied atScience Education Department of Gazi Education Faculty in Gazi University andalso have taken Science Laboratory II subject. Photosynthesis subject have beenstudied in one of the two classes (Control Group) according to traditional teachingmethod and in the other (Experimental Group) according to constructivist approachin 2002-2003 spring term of educational year during 4 weeks. Experimental designwith pre test- post test has been used in the research.Measurement tools used in the research;1. Photosynthesis Concept Test2. Logical Thinking Group Test3. Science and Laboratory Attitude TestRequired data were gathered by using these measurement tools.t-Test and Pearson?s correlation analyze have been used in order to testresearch?s hypothesis. Analyze results have shown that the achievements of studentswho were educated by constructivist theory are higher than the achievements ofstudents who were educated by traditional method. It has been seen that there is asignificant difference among problem solving skills, achievement levels and attitudestowards science of experimental and control group students.In the consequence of research findings, it has been concluded thatconstructivist approach was more effective than traditional approach in students?achievement levels, problem solving skills and attitudes towards science.Key Words: Constructivist Approach, Science Education, Photosynthesis.