New Perspectives in Science Education

Biotechnology is one of the most important scientific revolutions of the twenty first century, with applications that have the potential to revolutionise many industry sectors. The word 'biotechnology' refers to methods and techniques that allow the production of substances from raw materials with the aid of living organisms and/or biological process to solve problems. The rapid development and applications of biotechnology have triggered many discussions from different academic fields, such as economics, politics, ethical and educational. Therefore, it is required that the children of our society which means “our future’’ be educated as the individuals who possess a strong educational background related to the development of the biotechnology field. This responsibility no doubt is to be taken by the science instructors at different education levels from primary to higher education.

The research was conducted by using a survey to collect data. The participants of this study were 209 science teachers selected by convenience sampling methods. In the this study was determined resources that benefiting related to biotechnology issues of science teachers. Also, in during the teaching of science teachers was determined whether courses related to biotechnology was took. In the study was determined whether inservice training related to biotechnology issues was wanted.

According to results of our study, more than half of the teachers (52,2%) stated that they learned from the internet about biotechnology subjects.  The 12,4% of teachers also pointed out that these subjects learned from books. The 14,4% of science teachers (30 science teachers) stated that they took course related to biotechnology in during the teaching. The majority of teachers (85,6%) also stated that took not course related to biotechnology in during the teaching. The 81,3% teachers’ (170 teachers) stated that they asked inservice training related to biotechnology issues.