Cross National Study on Pre-Service Elementary and Science Teachers’ Opinions on Science Teaching

Abstract

Cross national study on opinions on science teaching was revealed on a sample of 1799 (596 males, 1203 females) pre-service elementary and science teachers’ enrolled in various departments at selected universities in Croatia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey. Three factors explaining 43.4% of variance were extracted from a pool of 22 items of affirmative statements. In combination with all three factors it was possible to construct a ghost teacher. Such teacher, constructed from the study, recognizes the importance of active student-centred teaching with respect to culture of the society, both in content and values, but will in practice teach with high achievements in mind and teacher centred practice as a vehicle towards success. Differences between teachers from different countries, between genders and between study tracks are statistically significant. The most influential factor determining opinions is the dominant teaching culture of the country.