Development of Teacher Guidance Materials Based On 7E Learning Method In Virtual Laboratory Environment

Abstract

As the positive effects of preparation of secondary education Physics and Chemistry curricula based on constructivist approach on the teaching process comes into prominence in Turkey, a variety of models such as 5E and 7E, which are the applications of this approach, has started to be used. However, in order to eliminate the limitations in conventional laboratory applications of these courses, the experiments should be supported with technological means and carried out on computer software and the internet environment. In this context, it is seen that the applications in this area are becoming widespread, taking into consideration the level of effect of the virtual laboratory programs, which are top-end computer software. However, for the activities aimed at providing guidance to teachers and the on-the-job training on effective and correct use of the virtual laboratory software programs are insufficient, teachers are unable to utilize them sufficiently. This situation makes it required to develop guidance materials to enable teachers, the most important factor of the program, to achieve the competency required for the field. The purpose of the study conducted in this context is to introduce the design stages of the activity based on the 7E Learning Model and developed in the virtual laboratory environment for the “Electric Current” subject included in the “Electricity and Magnetism” unit of the secondary education Physics course, and to evaluate them taking into consideration the opinions of the specialists and teachers in the field of physics education. Case study methodology was used in the study, which participated in by 4 physics education specialists, 6 physics teachers and 1 electrics teacher. Within the scope of the study, opinions of the specialists in physics education and of the teachers in the secondary education regarding the application were obtained using the ‘Course Material Evaluation Scale” and semi-structured interviews. It has been concluded that the materials developed within the framework of the study taking into consideration the opinions of the specialists in physics education and of the teachers in the secondary education are effective.