In-service Teachers' Perceptions regarding their Practices related to Integrating Nature of Science: Case Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate in-service teachers' perceptions regarding their practices related to the integration of the nature of science (NOS) in their science courses. In this case study more than one sampling method was used. Firstly, purposive sampling method was used to determine the teachers who had taken courses regarding the nature of science in their undergraduate education. Then two teachers were selected using the criterion sampling method. These teachers were selected according to their school type, and the location where they work. Both teachers work in public schools however, one of these schools was in the capital city of the country, the other was in poor village. A constant comparative method was used for the data analysis. In this study, the researcher first collected the data and then carried out the analysis based upon the data revealed by transcriptions of interviews. Different evaluators were used for triangulation. For the validity of the interview questions, the opinions of one qualitative research expert and one science educator were obtained. In addition, raw data in the form of direct quotations were given to the readers without any interpretations. To ensure reliability, the codes were discussed with a qualitative research expert and science educator. After the data were collected and analyzed, the following five main themes emerged; the integration of NOS, classroom environment, factors effecting the teachers' methodology, the measurement strategies, and the problems in the process. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.