Evaluation of design-based STEM activities developed by science teachers during distance education

Abstract

This study aimed to examine science teachers’ views on distance STEM learning and how they evaluate design-based STEM activities they designed and implemented themselves in accordance with the engineering design process. Conducted using qualitative research methods, this study employed a case study design. The participants of the study consisted of 6 science teachers who were doing the Master’s in science education at a public university in the Western Black Sea region, Türkiye, in the 2020/21 academic year. The courses were conducted online for one semester. This study employed case study design. The participants of the study consisted of 6 science teachers. Courses were conducted remotely online for one semester. An open-ended opinion form, observation notes, and activity sheets were used as data collection tools. The data were analysed using content analysis method. Despite the fact that the participants appeared to have found some situations positive, including saving time and space, having the chance to watch the lesson again, easy access to documents, and avoiding health risks, they also found some other aspects negative such as being unable to do group work and having little interaction.