AN EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION OF A TUBITAK PROJECT PROGRAMME ABOUT AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES TRAINING FOR SCIENCE AND ART CENTRE TEACHERS

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the training of trainers project programme funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Türkiye (TUBITAK), which aims to provide teachers who teach gifted students with innovative approaches involving aviation and space technologies and these approaches through applied activities. For this purpose, 35 teachers working in Science and Art Centres (BİLSEM) selected from across Turkey were trained for six days. Within the scope of the research, pre-tests and post-tests were administered to the teachers selected for the training. In addition, data were collected and analysed through a response evaluation questionnaire. According to the results of the analyses, it was revealed that the participants' reactions to the training process were positive and that the participants liked the trainers, topics, materials, presentations and the training environment in the project training process. When the trainings given by all trainers are evaluated, it can be stated that the trainings were beneficial for the participants and provided positive changes in the context of measuring the learning of the participants. In addition, it was concluded that the trainings had a great and positive effect on the acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes. According to the answers given by the participants, the gains they have obtained as a result of the trainings they have received have provided them with skills that can be transformed into practice in their teaching life and show that the level of feasibility is high.

Keywords: aerospace, innovative approaches, project, TUBITAK, BİLSEM, training of trainers, education of gifted students