Determining activities and objectives for physics student teachers in teaching practice

SUMMARY Determining Activities and Objectives for Physics Student Teachers in Teaching Practice Although the structure of faculty of education has changed recently in Turkey, research have not been conducted on the current activities, objectives and problems faced during teaching practice. The purpose of this study is to develop a model for student teachers in physics consists of the activities and the objectives during teaching practice. A literature review has been done to examined teacher training models, approaches and the developmental stages of student teacher in developed countries. Field work included student teachers in physics attented in teaching practice between 1997-98 spring term and 1999-2000 education term at Fatih Faculty of Education in KTÜ. Study sample consisted of 4 method tutors, 88 student teachers in physics and 19 mentors in a case study research methodology. Data collected by using questionnaire and observation from student teachers and interviews from mentor and method tutor and analysis of student teachers in physics homework prepared during practice teaching. It has been found that expecially six activities such as, observing lesson, teaching lesson, preparing yearly and daily plan, teaching lesson in laboratory, assesment of students achievements were used in teaching practice. 16 activities and gained objectives by using these activities were determined and stages in implementing these activities were presented by means of diagrams. It was concluded that, in spite of the shortages of the existing activities, if mentors were well- trained about the teaching practice these activities will be implemented more efficiently. An activitiy based model to be used by mentors was developed to equip the students in teaching practice with professional skills and abilities. Key words: Teaching practice, Application activities, Physics student teacher, Mentor VII