Investigation of student biology teachers’ views on field-based plant exploration exercises in a botany course

Hacettepe University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology Education, 06800, Beytepe, Ankara, Türkiye

^* Corresponding author: secilakpinarli@hacettepe.edu.tr

Abstract

This study examines the views of student biology teachers regarding field-based plant exploration exercises. It is believed that the incorporation of outdoor education into biology education enhances students’ knowledge of variety of plant species and strengthens their ecological consciousness. Over the course of an 11-week study, pre-service teachers conducted a botanical education outdoors. The research was carried out with 21 student biology teachers enrolled in a biology teaching program at a public university in Ankara. The data, gathered through semi-structured interviews, were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that student biology teachers considered these activities valuable for improving memory retention and learning through hands-on experience. However, factors such as difficult landscape settings and unfavorable weather were identified as obstacles to the implementation of such exercises. All pre-service teachers expressed that they would consider implementing outdoor education in their future teaching practices. These findings suggest that field-based plant exploration exercises can contribute to biology education.