Views of Pre-Service Science Teachers on Sustainable Development Awareness

Abstract

In the study, it was aimed to determine the awareness of 81 pre-service science teachers studying in different classes about sustainable development. Phenomenology design was used to determine the views of science teaching department students about sustainable development. Since the concept of sustainability is related to the field of science and science teachers have a role in providing the students with the achievements related to sustainability in the science program, the study was conducted with the students of the faculty of education science teaching department. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect data. The data collected within the scope of the study were analyzed using content analysis. While analyzing the data, codes were created according to the answers given by each student. Similar codes were categorized taking into account the dimensions of sustainable development, the objectives of the United Nations development program, and the answers given by the students. As a result of the analysis of the data, it was concluded that the students of science teaching department had average knowledge about sustainable development, but they did not have sufficient knowledge about sustainable development. Considering the results, studies can be conducted on the sustainable development awareness of pre-service teachers in different branches. In addition, it is recommended to organize activities and conferences that will positively affect the sustainable development awareness of pre-service teachers.