Identification and elimination of several misconceptions of university level students regarding the misconceptions in science course

Abstract

The present study is based on identification and elimination of several misconceptions of university level students regarding chemistry topics. For this reason, the static-group pre-test-post-test design was implemented with 52 teacher candidates. Regarding the content of the study, the experimental group participants opted for "Misconceptions in Science" course whereas the control group selected "Physics in environment" course in terms of elective courses. Data was collected through a form which consisted of 3 open-ended statements during the research process. In addition, an evaluation form was prepared to determine the opinions of the experimental group on the course. As a result of the study, the pre-test analyses revealed several misconceptions which all the participants have, whereas the post-test results indicated that "Misconceptions in science" course was effective in the elimination of experimental group's misconceptions. Also, the course was found to be necessary and efficient. Delayed post-test results justified the resistivity of the misconceptions of the experimental group members, although they had been performing their jobs as in-service science teachers.