Students’ Perceptions of the Nature of Science at Sultan Qaboos University

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating students, perceptions of the nature of science at Sultan Qaboos University. Data were collected using a 12-theme scale consisting of 60 items, 184 students from colleges of education and science responded to the questionnaire. A scale of high, medium and low was used to determine the level of students’ perception, The results showed that the students’ perceptions were moderately compatible with the modern vision of the nature of science (M= 3.51), according to the five-point “Likert” scale. In addition, there were no significant differences in students’ perceptions about the nature of science regarding the type of program and the academic year. However, there was a significant difference with regard to the student’s academic level in favor to Honor students compared to those with the Pass level. The study recommended that more attention should be given to incorporate, the nature of science in Teacher Education Programs and in the College of Science by offering special courses, or enriching the offered courses in these programs.