Experiences of Pre-Service Science Teachers in “Teaching Practice” During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study was carried out the case study method under the category of descriptive research approaches. A purposeful sampling method was used in the study because it allows in-depth research by selecting rich situations. Semi-structured interviews and semi-structured observation forms were used as data collection tools. Interviews are preferred in the research process because they provide the opportunity to analyze the situation in depth with flexible questions as well as questions directed to discover the richness of the schemas in the brain of individuals. Observations have been preferred because they allow the examination of human behavior in natural environments. In this research, the content analysis method was used in which the existence of codes in the qualitative data obtained during the analysis process was determined, themes were formed by combining these codes, and inferences were made. The analysis of the research findings, it was determined that the majority of pre-service science teachers associated the concept of distance education with the 'problem'. When it is explained that the pre-service science teachers will conduct the 'teaching practice' course with distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic process, their emotional state, anxiety, fear, curiosity, and sadness. As a result of the research, "Various projects can be developed to improve the existing infrastructure and provide more infrastructure support to prospective science teachers and schools, especially science teachers, within the framework of distance education and educational technologies. In this way, universities, schools, teachers, students, and parents are a stakeholder in educational technologies.