The analysis of prospective teachers’ biotechnology perception through metaphors

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate through metaphors the perceptions of biotechnology of teachers of different school subjects in Turkey. A total of 135 teacher trainees from 3 different school subjects participated in the study. In the study, data were collected by using statements such as “biotechnology is like...... because.....” Therefore, this is a qualitative study with phenomenology design. At the end of the study, teacher trainees produced 77 different metaphors. These metaphors were classified into five category. In the percentage distribution, “innovation” (30%) comes first, “essentialness” (26%) comes second, “advantage” (22%) comes third, “means” (14%) comes fourth and “threat” (8%) comes fifth. To conclude, most of the teacher trainees (92%) have a positive view of biotechnology. Besides, preservice teachers’ metaphorical perceptions of biotechnology according to sex show a significant difference. We propose that comparative studies be done with more subjects from different regions and cultures, which will help to obtain detailed data in this respect. In addition, up to date applications of biotechnology must be given more place in curricula and text books.