Analysis of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Biodiversity Images according to Sustainable Environmental Awareness

Abstract

Biodiversity is discussed in the context of socio-scientific issues, which play an important role in providing science-society interaction in science education. Biodiversity can help the sustainable environmental movement by contributing to the scientific, political and economic development and progress of societies in various social aspects, with its dilemma features by its nature. This study, it is aimed to analysis of pre-service science teachers' biodiversity images according to sustainable environmental awareness levels. The study was designed according to the survey model, which is one of the descriptive research methods. Sixty-three pre-service science teachers participated from two state universities in the Central Anatolia Region. Data were collected through Sustainable Environmental Awareness Scale and drawings on biodiversity. Sustainable Environmental Awareness Scale consists of 10 items and has a single factor. Biodiversity pictures created based on the drawing technique reflect the images of pre-service teachers. The data were analysed based on descriptive statistical methods. As a result, it was concluded that pre-service science teachers have a high level of sustainable environmental awareness. Biodiversity images of pre-service teachers are correct, but they cannot form a comprehensive image in creating biodiversity components and relationships. According to the results obtained, the fact that pre-service teachers exclude these components in their drawings can be associated not only with their lack of knowledge, but also with their drawing skills.