Pre-School Teacher Candidates' Views on STEM Applications Based on Montessori Approach

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the pre-school teachers' opinions about Montessori approach based STEM activities. In the study, during the fall semester of the 2017-2018 academic year, the education faculty of a state university pre-school teacher studied at the 3rd grade and 50 teachers were trained and 15 people were interviewed. In the research, case studies pattern based on the effects of the program, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. “Montessori approach based STEM applications Interview Form” was used as a qualitative data tool developed by the researcher in the study. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis method. As a result of data analysis, it was determined that pre-service teachers about Montessori approach based STEM applications have a positive opinion and they intend to use these applications in their lessons in the future. In addition, it is seen that these practices improve the cognitive and psycho-motor features of prospective teachers. It has been changed in the perspective of preservice teachers towards science and technology in their daily lives.