ERIC Number: EJ1375447
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1822-7864
EISSN: EISSN-2538-7111
The Opinions and Needs of Science Center Instructors: The Case of Gökmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM)
Problems of Education in the 21st Century, v80 n6 p792-810 2022
This study aimed to examine the opinions of the instructors who work at GUHEM (Gökmen Space and Aviation Training Center) on the exhibition's content, how the exhibition spaces contribute to science education, especially astronomy and aviation, and the types of visitors who frequently visit the center. Nine instructors from GUHEM's science centers participated in the study. Data were gathered using the "Instructor Opinion Form," with nine open-ended questions. The data elicited from these questions were subjected to content analysis. The findings showed that children aged 6 to 11 made up the majority of visitors; the fascinating exhibition areas focused on the Solar System and planets and interactive workshops with space and aviation themes, like those involving paper airplane construction and rocket competition, were very popular. In terms of the contribution of this center to science education, it was found that the GUHEM exhibitions played an active role in teaching the solar system, planets, and pressure. Although astronomy is the discipline with which the exhibition areas are most closely associated, it can also be linked to other disciplines like astrobiology, mathematics, and aviation. Instructors shared their worries that they won't be able to meet visitors' expectations and occasionally struggle to understand the subject during activities held at GUHEM. These findings led to the opinion that GUHEM and other science centers will function more effectively if schools and science centers collaborate more, the curriculum and exhibition content are improved, and the instructors receive professional assistance from academicians who are subject-matter experts.
Descriptors: Science Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Opinions, Science Teaching Centers, Astronomy, Aviation Education, Foreign Countries, Exhibits, Elementary School Students, Science Curriculum, Scientific Concepts
Scientia Socialis Ltd. 29 K. Donelaicio Street, LT-78115 Siauliai, Republic of Lithuania. e-mail: scientia@scientiasocialis.lt; e-mail: problemsofeducation@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/pec/
Related Records: EJ1418175
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A