ENHANCING SCIENCE TEACHING EFFICACY OF PRE-SERVICE PRESCHOOL TEACHERS THROUGH INQUIRY-BASED SCIENCE COURSE

Özdem Yılmaz, Y.; Mustafa Şahin

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ENHANCING SCIENCE TEACHING EFFICACY OF PRE-SERVICE PRESCHOOL TEACHERS THROUGH INQUIRY-BASED SCIENCE COURSE

Title	ENHANCING SCIENCE TEACHING EFFICACY OF PRE-SERVICE PRESCHOOL TEACHERS THROUGH INQUIRY-BASED SCIENCE COURSE
Publication Type	Journal Article
Year of Publication	2025
Authors	Özdem Yılmaz, Y, Şahin, M
Journal	Journal of Baltic Science Education
Volume	24
Issue	4
Start Page	670-683
Pagination	continuous
Date Published	August/2025
Type of Article	Original article
ISSN	1648-3898
Other Numbers	E-ISSN 2538-7138
Keywords	early childhood teacher education, inquiry-based science education, preschool teachers, science teaching efficacy
Abstract	Natural science is often overlooked in preschool education, despite its crucial role in developing young children's inquiry and exploration skills. This study aimed to explain the impact of inquiry-based science teaching activities on the science teaching efficacy of pre-service preschool teachers. Participants included 23 pre-service teachers enrolled in a preschool education undergraduate program at a university. Employing a pretest-posttest weak experimental design, data were collected using the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) and a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted, and quantitative and qualitative data were analysed comparatively. Results indicated a significant increase in participants’ science teaching efficacy following their engagement in inquiry-based activities. The findings highlight the effectiveness of structured, inquiry-centred coursework in enhancing pre-service preschool teachers’ confidence and competence in science teaching, underscoring the importance of embedding inquiry-based approaches within early childhood teacher preparation programs.
URL	https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/search/article?articleId=4575704
DOI	10.33225/jbse/25.24.670
Refereed Designation	Refereed
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