Author/Authors :
YILDIZ FEYZİOĞLU, Eylem Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi - Eğitim Fakültesi, Turkey , DEMİRCİ, Niymet Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi - Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Turkey
Abstract :
The aim of this study is to determine the class and science teachers’ a) knowledge about the stages of 5E learning model, b) awareness of the stages of the model, c) source of knowledge about the model and opinion of this source, and d) views on the constructivist learning theory and 5E learning model. A survey method is used in this study. 36 teachers working in the city of Bursa, 20 of whom are class teachers and 16 of whom are science teachers, are involved in the study. As the data collection tool, a semi-structured interview is used. The data are analyzed both by content and descriptive analysis methods. The results show that the teachers have inadequate or inaccurate knowledge of the four stages of 5E learning model: engage, explore, explain and elaborate. The teachers’ knowledge of the ‘evaluate’ stage conforms to the model. However, the techniques used in the evaluation of the items learned differ among the teachers. According to the teachers, the lack in their knowledge stems from the fact that at undergraduate level the courses about the science education methods covered theoretical presentations or they did no courses about this model. Despite their lack in this model, it can be concluded that the teachers have an awareness of the model as they have a positive opinion of the constructivist learning approach. Finally, the teachers think that they will have difficulties applying the model. Therefore, it is recommended the teachers attend in-service training activities to improve both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In this training process, a cognitive conflict where the teachers realize their lack of knowledge may occur.
