The determination of prospective classroom teachers views on genetically modified organisms

To understand, to interpret technological developments which can affect every aspect of human life in a rapidly developing and changing world, to get acquainted of social environment and of the world and to get aware of the wealth around are of great importance in terms of science-education. Based a change made by the Ministry of Education in 2013, such an item as the ability to interpret and make healthy decisions on sociosceintific matters is henceforth regarded as one of the aims of science-education. The aim of science education is to help individuals be aware of socioscientific matters. This study aims to determine prospective classroom teachers' views on genetically modified organisms. The sample of the study is made up of totally 150 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade prospective teachers at Classroom Teaching Department, Faculty of Education, Giresun University. As a tool of data collection, a questionnaire form including totally 14 questions, 11 of which are open ended, 3 closed-ended was used. The data obtained were analyzed through content analysis method. In parallel with the replies from male and female prospective teachers tables were created with themes and codes. The results obtained showed that most of prospective teachers were not knowledgeable enough of genetically modified organisms. Moreover, a large number of prospective teachers are of the opinion that the studies on genetically modified organisms serve economic purposes, resulting in a number of health issues. Key Words: Genetically Modified Organisms, Prospective Teachers, Views