Investigation of science teacher candidates' learning condition in genetic concepts

This thesis has been conducted with 196 teacher candidates studying at 1, 2 and 3 year of Secondary Science Teaching Program of Kastamonu University Faculty of Education. Quantity techniques have been used in the study. A genetic concept multiple choice test with 22 questions developed to test basic genetic concepts knowledge level, a true false test with 26 questions that supports the multiple choice test and a likert scale that aims to determine learning approaches of teacher candidates have been used to data collection process. Findings show that teacher candidates do not have a desired level of genetics concepts knowledge and have a big number of alternative concepts. Also, the understanding levels of teacher candidates raise in accordance with their years in the faculty. It has also been determined that those adopting meaningful learning approach have better level of understanding genetics concepts