Investigating pre-service teachers’ use of social media for information about science

Abstract

ABSTRACT A survey was conducted to investigate how samples of 452 pre-service teachers from 5 Spanish universities seek information on science and technology using informal resources, particularly the Internet. Findings reveal that pre-service teachers exhibit information-seeking patterns similar to their age group in the wider population, predominantly relying on Internet and the social media as sources of information. However, due to their status as university students, they also consult a wider array of sources, including academic resources. This knowledge can inform teacher trainees in considering the use of diverse information channels and in designing didactic approaches for their pre-service teachers to enhance contextualised science learning.