The aim of this study is to examine the views of 4 th-grade preservice science teachers (N=53) on the usability of infographics within the framework of learning outcomes that are included in the 2017 Science curriculum (3-8 grade) and that contain socio-scientific issues. In the study, case study and document analysis were used. The study was carried out within the scope of the Instructional Technologies and Material Development Course by researchers in the fall term of the 2017-2018 academic year. The processes of material development and material preparation (posters, banners, etc.) were taught for the first 7 weeks and a midterm exam was conducted afterwards. As a result of this exam, material development knowledge of participants was found to be at a high level and then material preparation processes (5 weeks) were carried out. A form consisting of 5 structured questions prepared by the researchers was used to gather data. Inductive analysis technique was used on the data collected. Results indicate that they are involved in such an application and program for the first time. In addition to that it is possible to say that the inclusion of particularly striking visual elements (icons, graphics, photos, etc.) contributes significantly to the usability of infographics. One of the most important results is that it is particularly emphasized by them in order to raise awareness of issues such as health and country benefits with the using infographics.

The purposes of this study were to determine metaphoric perception of preservice teachers from different fields regarding technological change and to examine the differences and similarities between perceptions of preservice teachers (1st and 4th grades). This study employed single case (holistic) study as a qualitative approach. Participants consisted of 445 preservice teachers who have continued their education in different programs in 2019-2020 academic year in Faculty of Education. After informing participants about metaphor technique and its applications, each participant was asked to fill out a structured form. The structured form included a prompt: “Technological change is like ......, because......”. Content analysis technique was employed to analyze the data. Content analysis included developing conceptual categorization and themes based on the reasoning of metaphors. Results showed that most of the participants had similar metaphoric perception regarding technological change, considering “metaphoric categories” and “conceptual categories.” However, “metaphoric categories” and “metaphoric concepts” had similarities and differences by year. And, “technological change as societal/cultural interaction” theme emerged from the analysis. This theme consisted of two categories (influencer and influenced) and these two categories were grouped in three sub-categories. Overall, the results indicate that preservice teachers’ perceptions of “technological change” concept had some variations.

The purpose of research is to examine the changes in attitudes towards astronomy following alternative astronomy education among pre-service teachers with different cognitive styles. Accordingly, it was thought to be appropriate to use pre-and post-test control group design among the experimental designs. The sample of the study included 4th year students at Abant İzzet Baysal University Department of Science Teaching during 2015-2016 spring term (N=64). In the treatment group, a process enriched with activity-based astronomy practices was followed, while the control group used a 12-week program designed as consistent with the program developed by Higher Education Council. The results seem to evidence that at undergraduate level there is an urgent need to intensify the efforts, education and practices that focus on increasing the levels of attitudes towards astronomy regardless of cognitive styles and on transferring these attitudes to skill areas and these kinds of studies need to be encouraged and extended. Keywords: attitude towards astronomy, cognitive style, pre-service teacher.

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