EXPLORING THE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS’ OPINIONS TO IMPROVE SCIENCE PERCEPTION AT GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore research assistants’ opinions to improve science perception at graduate programs. The research question includes the research assistants’ suggestions on the improvement of the quality of the graduate program regarding science perception. The sample for the present study contains 12 interviewees from four different institutes of Middle East Technical University. The interviewees are all PhD candidates at METU. The results were considered under the title of suggestions which could be realized by university administration and by personal efforts. In conclusion, based on literature review and the research assistants’ views it is suggested that history and philosophy of science course utilizing explicitly-reflective inquiry approach should be included curriculum of graduate programs

Keywords

• Nature of Science, History and Philosophy of Science Course, Science Perception.

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