The knowledge and opinions of prospective elementary school science teachers in Turkey regarding renewable energy

Filiz Kara

doi:10.24289/ijsser.669087

Abstract

In this research, it is aimed to determine the knowledge and opinions regarding renewable energy of 64 prospective teachers. The study data were collected by using a questionnaire consisting of 12 open-ended questions and analyzed using the descriptive analysis method. The study results showed that prospective teachers were generally of the opinion that renewable energy sources are mainly used by developed countries. In addition, most of the prospective teachers thought that media organs and scientific meetings and schools should be utilized as platforms for increasing social awareness of renewable energy sources. However, it was also determined that the number of prospective teachers who learned about renewable energy sources from their parents was considerably limited.

Highlights

Due to environmental harm caused by non-renewable energy sources and possible depletion of these reserves in the near future, there is a recent, active search for alternative sources to meet current energy demands
It is interesting to note that the number of prospective teachers who first heard of the concept of renewable energy from their parents was five
Based on the study results, it was determined that the prospective teachers had adequate knowledge regarding renewable energy sources, and were mostly aware of their importance and advantages

Summary

Introduction

Due to environmental harm caused by non-renewable energy sources and possible depletion of these reserves in the near future, there is a recent, active search for alternative sources to meet current energy demands. For this reason, the importance accorded to renewable energy sources that have the advantage of being reusable, inexhaustible, and environment-friendly has increased considerably in recent times (Thomas, Jennings & Llyod, 2008; Sevinç, 2009). Sources of renewable energy include solar energy, wind energy, hydraulic energy, biomass, geothermal energy, and wave energy (Daugherty & Carter, 2010; Yıldız, Sipahioğlu & Yılmaz, 2000)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion