How should be the laboratory application? Prospective teachers' perspective

Hacettepe University, Faculty of Education, 06800, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey

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

Abstract

The importance and effectiveness of laboratory applications should be find out by students or teachers. The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions on laboratory applications of prospective teachers and to determine the opinions about chemistry laboratory practices. The study group consisted of 1st grade prospective teachers. The research has been designed in a mixed method design. In the quantitative dimension of the study, the data obtained from the perceptions on laboratory applications scale were analysed. In the qualitative dimensions of the study was carried out in accordance with the situation pattern, and focus group interviews were conducted. According to quantitative findings of the research, the highest scores of sub-scales is in the effectiveness of laboratory. In qualitative findings, it has been emphasized that laboratory applications still bring chemistry lessons more enjoyable, provide knowledge retentions with practical applications, develop responsibility, improve the preparation behaviour of the course.