The determination of the quality standards of teacher training programs related to teachers of science education: the study of scale development and application

In this study, it was aimed to determine the quality standards pertaining to Science Education Teacher Training Programs. One of the quantitative methods, survey method was used in the research process. The research was implemented in two stages. In the first stage, 5 different scales consisting of a total of 18 dimensions and 190 different items were developed. In the second stage, participants' opinions were determined with the help of developed scales and these opinions were examined in terms of various variables. The sample of the study has consisted of Turkey's faculty members who served in various university faculties of education, the prospective teachers who study in the science teacher training programs and science teachers working in appointed provinces. A total of 1352 participants were reached within the scope of the study. As a result of the study, exploratory factor analysis was executed with the help of SPSS 20.0 package program in evaluating the data. At the same time, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were carried out with the accompaniment of LISREL 9.2 package program. Validity and reliability studies were also included during the analysis of data in the research process. In the validity phase; scope, appearance and structural validity of the study were examined. During the reliability phase; internal consistency coefficient and %27 subgroup and upper group mediums were calculated. Non-parametric methods were used because of the fact that the data did not demonstrate a normal distribution in the evaluation of the results of the application, Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests were applied. Arithmetic mean, degree of freedom, chi-square results and frequency tables were utilised in the analysis of the data as a result of the application put into practice. As a consequence of the research, "Quality Standards for Science Education Teacher Training Programs" were determined and five sub-scales which were established in terms of validity and reliability were developed. It was also found that the participants expressed their opinions about the level of quality standards to the extent which is rather important.