An Activity-Based Study on Providing Basic Knowledge and Skills of Measurement in Teaching

Abstract

Even though one of the prerequisites of inquiry-based science classes is acquiring measuring skills, there is not enough emphasis in the schools today on developing these skills. The current study, which has been designed with the thought that this situation may be caused by the fact that teachers do not have a sufficient level of measurement skills, aims to clarify knowledge of some basic quantities (length, mass, weight, volume, temperature and time), create awareness about fundamental skills in measuring related quantities, and develop these basic skills for the benefit of pre-service science teachers (n=73). The experimental study, which has been designed using a mixed research methodology, includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods, uses a skill-observation form and researcher observation notes, as well as pre-test, post-test and retention tests. This research, which focuses on developing measurement activities, reveals the importance of not only knowledge and skill integration but also of continuity in teaching measuring skills. In addition, recommendations have been set forth for the effective use of measurement tools in basic science education courses and some measurement activities have been suggested.