Selected Research Dealing with Attitudinal Studies in Science Education

Abstract

The importance of science education is increasing all over the world. One of the main objectives of science education is to make scientifically literate students or citizens rather than scientists. Despite this, science courses in schools tend to lose the students’ interest. Many studies reveal that students’ negative or positive feelings about science are related to their attitudes toward science. There are different factors shaping their attitudes. To understand and measure students’ attitudes toward science, and in some cases, toward science teaching, researchers have so far developed numerous instruments. Studies have revealed that students’ positive attitudes toward science begin to decrease from 5th grade to the upper grades, and this situation affects their achievements in science and their understanding of scientific concepts. In this context, elementary science, the other subject teachers, the school curriculum and environment play major roles in influencing students’ attitudes toward science.