The Effect of Out-of-School Learning Environments on Biology Teacher Candidates` Awareness of Biological Diversity

Authors : Nurcan Uzel, Çiğdem Alev Özel

Pages : 125-136

Doi:10.47156/jide.1821247

View : 152 | Download : 271

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aims to examine the effect of field trips to out-of-school learning environments on biology teacher candidates\\\' awareness of biological diversity and their views on biological diversity awareness. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design without a control group was used in the research. The study group consisted of 39 volunteer biology teacher candidates enrolled in the 2nd and 3rd years of a state university in Ankara. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect research data. In the quantitative phase, the Biological Diversity Awareness Scale developed by Özyurt, Türkoğlu, and Karakaya Cirit (2025) was used. In the qualitative phase of the study, three open-ended questions were used to determine the biology teacher candidates\\\' views on biological diversity awareness. The t-test for dependent samples was used to analyse the quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. It was concluded that there was a significant change in biology teacher candidates\\\' awareness of biological diversity based on the pre-test and post-test results. The qualitative findings revealed that teacher candidates\\\' direct interaction with nature deepened their awareness of the conservation of biological diversity and supported the development of environmental responsibility and sustainability awareness. According to the research findings, it is recommended that out-of-school learning activities be systematically planned in teacher training programmes and that biodiversity topics be supported with practical experiences.
Keywords : Out-of-school learning, biodiversity awareness, teacher education, herbarium, botanical garden, digital zoo

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