A meta-synthesis of Turkish studies in science process skills

This study thematically evaluates Turkish studies in science process skills (SPS) from 2000 to 2015. In looking for SPS studies, the authors entered the keywords ‘process skills, science process skills, science education and Turkey/Turkish’ in well-known databases (i.e., Academic Search Complete, Education Research Complete, ERIC, and Springer LINK Contemporary). Further, in case the online search may have missed a substantial part of important SPS literature, the authors also conducted a manual search of the related journals. To present insights of SPS studies, a thematic matrix (needs, aims, methodologies, data collection tools, general knowledge claims, implications for teaching and learning) was used. Their general knowledge claims referred to (a) development of students’ and teachers’ SPS (b) effect(s) of variable(s) on SPS achievement level(s) (c) integration of SPS into science curriculum and (d) SPS measurement. Also, they showed that inquiry-based learning approach acted as a driving factor in developing SPS. Since science curriculum plays an important role in improving students’ SPS, the studies under investigation suggest curriculum developers to increase the number of science activities in science curriculum. © 2016 The Authour(s).