The Effects of Montessori Approach Based STEM Activities on Pre-service Teachers' Attitudes Towards Science and Science Teaching

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of STEM activities prepared on the basis of the Montessori education approach philosophy on pre-school teacher candidates' attitudes towards science and science teaching. Mixed method was used in the study. The sample group consists of 50 pre-school teacher candidates in total. In the study, a single group pre-test post-test pattern was created to collect quantitative data. The study lasted 14 weeks in total. In the study, "Science Attitude Scale" and "Science Attitude Scale" were used as quantitative data collection tools. In order to collect the qualitative data of the study, the "semi-structured interview form" prepared by the researcher based on the items of the scales used in quantitative terms was used. The quantitative data obtained in the study were analyzed using the statistical (paired sample t test) method, and the qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. In the results of working; It has been determined that STEM activities based on Montessori approach have a positive effect on pre-school teacher candidates' attitudes towards science and science teaching. The results obtained from the qualitative data showed that there were positive improvements in teacher candidates' attitudes towards science and science teaching and the quantitative results were of high quality.