Views of future Special Education teachers on teaching Natural Sciences during Practicum

DIMITRIOS SOTIROPOULOS, NATASSA RAIKOU, MICHAIL KALOGIANNAKIS

Abstract

This study explores the views of 91 students from the Department of Special Education at the University of Thessaly regarding the teaching of Natural Sciences during their practicum. Implementing a questionnaire adapted from the DAS instrument, this research focuses on student' views concerning the value of Natural Sciences, their sense of self-efficacy, the role of digital tools, and interdisciplinary approaches in science teaching. The results indicate that students hold positive views regarding their abilities and recognize the importance of engaging methodologies for inclusive Natural Sciences education. Implications for practicum design and teacher preparation programs are discussed.

Keywords

Student practicum, self-efficacy, Natural Sciences/Science, digital tools, STEAM interdisciplinary approaches

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