Priority matters to be researched according to trainee primary education teachers

Abstract

It is important to train scientifically literate citizens. In this, formal education plays a relevant role. In the present work, a questionnaire was administered which was prepared ad hoc for a convenience sample comprised of 367 primary education teachers undergoing initial training, from 5 Spanish universities. The questionnaire sought to detect how teachers are able to identify science in society and what matters are considered most priority. The results of the analysis show that Health and the Environment, but not others, are the subjects consider most important by future primary teachers. The awareness of scientific issues forgotten needs to be included among the teacher education course activities. The analysis according to sex, age and academic year variables have shown statistically significant differences regarding the sex variable. Comparative analysis with the results of questionnaires addressed to the population at large, both European and Spanish, have found some differences in order of priority of scientific issues.