Fen Grubu Öğretmenlerinin Okul Dışı Öğrenme Ortamlarına Yönelik Kaygı Düzeyi Değerlendirme Ölçeği Çalışması

Abstract

This study aims to develop a scale that evaluates the anxiety levels of science teachers towards out-of-school learning environments. Out-of-school learning includes learning in various environments outside of the classroom (such as street, schoolyard, national park, museum, science center, etc.). Out-of-school learning is both permanent and entertaining, and enhances the students’ success. Hence, the teachers need to have sufficient knowledge and skills, and be aware of some tasks and responsibilities. Therefore, the participants of this scale-development study are 301 science teachers (physics, chemistry, biology and science) working throughout Turkey. A 12-item interview form was prepared by the researcher in order to take the teachers’ opinions towards out-of-school learning environments and generate scale items, and it was applied to 16 teachers. As a result of information obtained from the interview form and of literature review, “Out-of-School Learning Anxiety Evaluation Scale” (ASL-AES) was constructed to evaluate the anxiety levels of science teachers towards out-of-school learning environments. Expert opinion was sought for the content validity of the scale. Factor analysis was performed for construct validity of the scale. Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was also used to test its reliability. In consequence of factor and reliability analysis, a single-factor, valid and reliable scale consisting of 25 items has been developed. Through descriptive statistics and item-total correlation coefficients, the functioning of the items was examined. Besides, incorrect data, outliers and data distribution were analysed by using extreme value analysis. The findings as a result of the analysis were presented and suggestions for research and application were made.