Chemistry Teaching Departments’ Current Situation from the Perspective of Prospective Chemistry Teachers: A Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the opinions of prospective chemistry teachers (PCTs) regarding the chemistry teaching department. In this qualitative research, 47 PCTs participated and the data were collected via an opinion form and focus group interviews. In the end, it was found that the PCTs preferred the department willingly, the intrinsic factors mainly shaped their preferences. Additionally, if they had a second chance they expressed that they would prefer different departments related to health like nursing, and pharmacy. Appointing in the Public Personnel Selection Exam (KPSS in Turkish) is prominent for them in the post-graduation period if not they have different plans. Correspondingly, the most intense feeling about this period they have is fear. In the end, they criticized the current undergraduate chemistry teaching curriculum and complained about it. They anticipated modifications both in the distribution and the context of the courses. In the end it was seen that they emphasized that they wanted more chemistry based professional knowledge courses.