Present and Future of Project Studies: Evaluation of Pre-service Science Teachers' View on Project Studies with SWOT Analysis

Oğuzhan Nacaroğlu, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Türkiye 

Gülseda Eyceyurt Türk, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Türkiye

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the views of pre-service science teachers on project studies with SWOT analysis. Phenomenological design from qualitative research method was used in the study. The study group consisted of 42 students who are continuing their education in science teaching program in a state university in Central Anatolia Region. Documents were used as data collection tool. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the data. Freshman stated being able to do research and working in a planned way; senior stated being able to do research and problem solving as their strengths at a higher rate. Freshman expressed more opinions on lack of self-confidence and low creativity skills as weaknesses, while senior expressed more opinions on inability to prepare original projects and inability to use technology. In terms of opportunities, freshman expressed financial support and rewarding quite a lot, while senior expressed more opinions in the codes of receiving support from the environment and institutions, teacher support, and project fairs. Freshman and senior stated that there were similar threats to their project work. Suggestions were made within the framework of the findings obtained in the research.

Keywords: Pre-service teachers, project studies, Science education, SWOT analysis