Arranging and evaluating the application environments for physics student teachers to reflect their competencies

Arranging and Evaluating the Application Environments for Physics StudentTeachers to reflect their competenciesThis study aims to design an application environment for physics student teachers toreflect their competencies gained from STM-I, II and ITMD courses. Secondly,determining the effects of the designed environment on the improvement of studentteachers? knowledge, skills and attitudes are aimed. The study is conducted with sevenstudent teachers at the physics teaching program at KTÜ Fatih Faculty of Education in2006-2007 spring terms. In this study a case study research method was used. The datagained from the observations, interviews, meetings made at the end of the courses (peerand self assessment), document analysis of lesson plans, reports and reflective diaries ofthe student teachers were analyzed qualitatively.It is founded that student teachers are able to reflect the skills of developing lessonplans, using instructional technologies, using various teaching methods, applyingconstructivist teaching approach, developing/using worksheets/slides, using daily lifeexperiences, using board, communicating with students successfully when they arepresented opportunities and guidance. On the other side, it is thought that the deficiency ofsome student teachers can emerge from their failure to gain the aimed behaviors during thementioned courses. Moreover, the limited content and application of the courses can bereason for the student teachers? incompetencies. At the end of the study, an applicationenvironment model was recommended to enhance TP process. According to the model,there should be Informing and Evaluating Meetings at the beginning and end of TP. Duringtheoretical courses of TP in faculty and student teachers? practice in practice schools theyshould be provided necessary counseling by the mentor and tutor. Study was ended therecommendations through pre-service teacher education.