Science Teacher

I am Zehra Betül Alp. I work as Research Assistant at Trakya University, Faculty of Education, Department of Science Education. Our department was established in 1999. The aim of our department is to train science teachers for secondary schools. In our department, we have field courses such as physics, chemistry and biology, pedagogical formation, that is, education courses, and elective courses for general culture and vocational knowledge. There are 3 laboratories in our department: physics, chemistry and biology. Biology laboratory is also used as science laboratory. In addition, our students benefit from all the opportunities offered by the faculty. The senior students of our department spend the entire academic year with internships. Especially in the 2nd semester internship, our students are obliged to give lectures every week. Thus, they make a good preparation for teaching. Faculty members of our department participate in different symposiums and congresses. In addition, we have different activities for lecturers, university students, teachers and secondary school students. For example, system training was given in cooperation with TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency) with the participation of lecturers from 6 different countries. There are different projects we have done in cooperation with TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and TÜBA (Turkish Academy of Sciences). Our faculty members are involved in these projects both as participants and as project managers. There are some projects we have conducted within the scope of community service practices for secondary school students. For example, scientific activities for hearing-impaired students that we did this term were held via Zoom. We also have backyard practices, bird watching and space observation activities organized by our out-of-school education club. In addition, we organize science festivals and trainings for teachers in Edirne’s City Center and its districts with the cooperation of the Ministry of National Education. Our students who graduate from our department receive the title of Science Teacher. Students who wish can take the KPSS (Public Personnel Selection Exam) and work in public schools. Our graduates can also work as science teachers in private institutions. They can also pursue graduate education if they wish. I advise students who will prefer our department to examine our department's web page and course content. Trakya University offers many social and cultural activities to its students. The university has a gym, swimming pool, 24/7 open library, dining hall and dormitories to meet the accommodation needs of the students. I wish good luck to all candidates who will take the exam. I think you will be very happy in Edirne.