Investigation of How Freshman Pre-Service Teachers Relate Chemistry Laboratory with Daily Life

Abstract

Chemistry includes observable phenomena and materials related to daily life, but learners sometimes have difficulties in understanding the theoretical and abstract nature of chemistry as well as its applications and relating it to everyday experiences. In this manner, the aim of the study is to determine and assess whether pre-service science and pre-service chemistry teachers could relate the experiments conducted in the chemistry laboratory with daily life or not. The research is designed as a case study and the study group consists of pre-service science (n=18) and chemistry teachers (n=18) who are studying at a state university in Istanbul. Research data is collected with open-ended questions in accordance with the general chemistry laboratory I course content. The questions aimed to investigate the conceptual understanding and the views of pre-service teachers. The results showed that the participants could not adequately make the conceptual explanations, however, they were able to establish the connection with daily life. Also, the pre-service teachers stated that they did not have any difficulties in integrating chemistry with daily life in the interviews. In the light of the findings, some implications were drawn to establish a relationship between the content and laboratory courses and daily lives to make more a meaningful learning. Key Words: Chemistry Education, Chemistry Laboratory, Teacher Education, Daily Life Chemistry, Pre-service teachers