Content analysis of graduate theses on STEM applications in science and mathematics education

Aim of the present study was to examine the studies carried out in Turkey regarding STEM applications in the field of science and mathematics education within the scope of 2011-2021 thematically. In order to adapt our country to rapidly developing world, it is considered important to introduce STEM applications to individuals and reflect STEM applications in courses. To improve the quality of education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, individuals should be able to assimilate, synthesize these fields together and reflect them in their future life. This may be possible with STEM education. In this study, graduate theses related to STEM applications in science and mathematics education were examined. The theses included in the study the master's and doctoral theses that were obtained between 2011 and 2021 on the official website of the National Dissertation Center of the Council of Higher Education. Content analysis was used in the research.The theses obtained were classified into seven themes; thesis type, year of publication, research method, sample and sample size, data collection tool used, data analysis method and universities where the research was conducted. Results of the study revealed that, number of master's theses was more than doctoral theses, mixed method was mostly used, the number of theses increased in 2019, the number of theses in the field of primary education was more, and the number of theses related to special education schools was zero. In addition, data were collected using scales in the theses and it was concluded that the maximum number of t-tests were used for data analysis. The largest number of theses belongs to Gazi University. In order to be able to announce, explain and transmit STEM applications to students, prospective teachers and teachers, it is proposed to increase the number of studies in universities, the number of which is quite small.