Preservice science and biology teachers' knowledge level and misconceptions about archaebacteria, bacteria and protista kingdoms

This study aimed to reveal knowledge levels and the misconceptions of pre-service science and biology teachers about archaeabacteria, bacteria and protista kingdoms. In this context, pre-service science and biology teachers' learning levels about these kingdoms were determined and the misconceptions and knowledge levels of the two groups were compared. The research was carried out with 9 pre-service science and 9 pre-service biology teachers in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education of Hacettepe University in 2017-2018 academic year. The current study is a qualitative study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. For the purpose of the interview, 12 open ended questions were asked in three main themes: archaeabacteria, bacteria and protista. The drawing technique was also used to provide data diversity during the interview. The collected data were by content analysis. As a result of the data analysis, it has been determined that science and biology teacher candidates have misconceptions about the structural characteristics, definition and general characteristics of archaeabacteria, bacteria, and protists. In addition, participants were not adequate in relating these three kingdoms to each other. As a result of the study, it was determined that both pre-service science and biology teachers did not have sufficient knowledge about archebacteria, bacteria and protista kingdoms. In this context, it has become necessary to teach these three kingdoms more effectively.