Reflections From The Mirror of TIMSS-R-I: A General Profile of Science Teachers In Turkey

In the framework of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat (TIMSS-R) a part of collected original data, which were gathered with cooperation of several countries, is brought at the focus in the present study, and various indicators are reexamined. In the study some components of science teachers’ views in Turkey are described, and based upon the total normized scores of their competence which were calculated become a subject for discussion and comparison. The science teachers at 204 schools in Turkey where TIMSS-R were carried out, believe that they are competent for teaching science to a great extent, and perceive many variables related to schools, for example physical infrastructure, the lack of equipment and instructional materials etc, are main barriers and constraints. Moreover, when we examine the indicators of some members of European Union it is understood that various unfruitful situation should be removed in a short time; the educational system of Turkey must be renewed and become contemporary. Thus considering the findings the developments of general and coherent views on the all components of science education, and on new and well-established structure for training teachers in the primary schools of Turkey becomes important and necessary, and the benefits of the in-service education program for the professional development of teachers based on scientific investigation and evidence are emphasized.