Pre-service teachers' knowledge and awareness about renewable energy

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the awareness and knowledge of pre-service teachers regarding renewable energy. For this aim, the study employed survey method and a total of 196 pre-service teachers studying at four different teaching profession departments in a public university in Turkey's Mugla province were enrolled in the study. Renewable Energy Awareness Scale and Renewable Energy Knowledge Level Test" were used to gather the data from the preservice teachers in the study. The quantitative data obtained from the participants was analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson product moment correlation coefficients and simple regression analysis. The study results revealed that the knowledge level of the pre-service teachers regarding renewable energy showed differences across the departments while their awareness did not vary. It was also found that the pre-service teachers' knowledge level and awareness in this topic had a positive correlation. Thus, this topic must be given importance in the education programs must be implemented more effectively and meaningfully. In addition, more comprehensive information regarding renewable energy issues must be included in the teacher education.