Research Article

Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province

Volume: 9 Number: 1 July 14, 2026
TR EN

Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province

Abstract

Water is an indispensable source for the survival of living organisms. Drinkable water resources on Earth are limited. The depletion of water resources necessitates raising awareness about water and proper planning. Education and teachers play a significant role in changing attitudes towards water and promoting sustainable, conscious water use. This study, which aims to determine teachers' knowledge levels and misconceptions about water, was conducted with 100 teachers working in Isparta province during the 2025-2026 academic year. The data for the study, which was conducted using a survey method, were collected through the Water Knowledge Test. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques; in addition to descriptive statistics, the t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the analysis of the data. When the findings were examined, there were no significant differences in teachers' knowledge levels about water according to the variables of gender, education status, and grade level, but significant differences were found between teachers of Religious Culture and Ethics and teachers of Science, Classroom, and Chemistry according to the variable of their departments of graduation. It is recommended that compulsory courses on water awareness and consciousness should be introduced in teacher education institutions; online in-service training programs should be organized for teachers; activity- and project-based initiatives involving both teachers and students should be developed in schools; water awareness and consciousness should be integrated into the teaching–learning process as an inseparable component through an interdisciplinary approach.

Keywords

References

  1. Acaray, C., & Yalçın, S. A. (2024). Preservice teachers’ awareness and knowledge levels regarding water footprints. Trakya Education Journal, 14(3), 2194–2209. https://doi.org/10.24315/tred.1489673
  2. Akın, M., & Akın, G. (2007). The importance of water, water potential in Turkey, watersheds, and water pollution. Journal of the Faculty of Language, History, and Geography, Ankara University, 47(2), 105–118. Retrieved November 11, 2025, from https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/dtcfdergisi/article/1044494
  3. Akinsemolu, A. A., & Onyeaka, H. (2025). The role of green education in achieving the sustainable development goals: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 210, Article 115239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115239
  4. Aksungur, N., & Firidin, Ş. (2008). Water resource use and sustainability. Aquaculture Studies, 2008(2). Retrieved November 10, 2025, from https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/204321
  5. AlHaddid, O., Ahmad, A., & AbedRabbo, M. (2024). Unlocking water sustainability: The role of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women. Journal of Cleaner Production, 476, Article 143697. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143697
  6. Alaş, A., Tunç, T., Kısoğlu, M., & Gürbüz, H. (2009). A study on pre-service teachers’ conscious water consumption behaviors: The case of Atatürk University. Journal of the Faculty of Education, Erzincan University, 11(2), 37–49. Retrieved November 10, 2025, from https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/67657
  7. Avcı, F., Şeşen, B. A., & Kırbaşlar, F. G. (2018). Development of a two-stage diagnostic test for the “Structure and Properties of Matter” unit. Kastamonu Education Journal, 26(4), 1007–1019. https://doi.org/10.24106/kefdergi.434239
  8. Ayvacı, H. Ş., & Çoruhlu, T. Ş. (2009). The effect of the explanatory story method on correcting misconceptions regarding physical and chemical changes. Journal of the Faculty of Education, Ondokuz Mayıs University, 28(2), 93–104.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social Studies Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

July 14, 2026

Submission Date

April 20, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

APA
Doğan, A. T. (2026). Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province. Journal of Innovative Research in Social Studies, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.47503/jirss.1934309
AMA
1.Doğan AT. Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province. JIRSS. 2026;9(1). doi:10.47503/jirss.1934309
Chicago
Doğan, Ahmet Tevfik. 2026. “Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province”. Journal of Innovative Research in Social Studies 9 (1). https://doi.org/10.47503/jirss.1934309.
EndNote
Doğan AT (July 1, 2026) Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province. Journal of Innovative Research in Social Studies 9 1
IEEE
[1]A. T. Doğan, “Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province”, JIRSS, vol. 9, no. 1, July 2026, doi: 10.47503/jirss.1934309.
ISNAD
Doğan, Ahmet Tevfik. “Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province”. Journal of Innovative Research in Social Studies 9/1 (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.47503/jirss.1934309.
JAMA
1.Doğan AT. Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province. JIRSS. 2026;9. doi:10.47503/jirss.1934309.
MLA
Doğan, Ahmet Tevfik. “Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province”. Journal of Innovative Research in Social Studies, vol. 9, no. 1, July 2026, doi:10.47503/jirss.1934309.
Vancouver
1.Ahmet Tevfik Doğan. Teachers’ Knowledge Levels and Misconceptions Regarding Water: A Case Study of Isparta Province. JIRSS. 2026 Jul. 1;9(1). doi:10.47503/jirss.1934309