A screening study about preschool science education studies: A case study from Turkey

Abstract

The general purpose of this research is to examine the studies carried out during pre-school science education in Turkey over the last five years (2013-2017). In accordance with this general purpose, the distribution of the topic studies, the research methods were used and finally the participant groups in the researches were examined. Descriptive screening model was used as research method. The primary criteria for selection of the articles are to examine the studies carried out in Turkey over the last five years. In addition to this, screening 40 studies included in the study were selected according to electronic databases in which SSCI, ERIC, ULAKBIM and other domain-specific journals (preschool and early childhood education journals). According to the findings, it is seen that, the activities towards science education and its applications, also the environmental educations are the most common examine topics in this study. While the quantitative and qualitative paradigms have balanced distribution as research methods, it has been found that mixed research methods are preferred in slightly. Finally, it has been found that although the distribution of studies carried out with children, teachers and pre-service teachers are common and balanced, there is limited number of studies carried out with parents.