Science Teacher Candidates’ Temporal Perspectives on Environmental Crises from Today to 2050
Özet
This study aims to examine science teacher candidates’ perceptions of contemporary environmental issues and their proposed solutions within a temporal perspective. Conducted using a qualitative research approach, the study adopts a phenomenological design. The study group comprised a total of 37 teacher candidates enrolled in the Science Education Program at the Faculty of Education of a public university during the spring semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers and subsequently analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that teacher candidates approach environmental problems from short-, medium-, and long-term perspectives, developing concrete solutions aligned with a vision for a sustainable future. Among the environmental challenges, participants prioritized climate change and global warming as the most urgent issues requiring immediate intervention. In the short term, strategies such as expanding recycling initiatives and raising environmental awareness in society were emphasized. Medium-term strategies highlighted by the candidates included transitioning to renewable energy, strengthening recycling systems, and expanding afforestation efforts. In the long term, participants emphasized the dissemination of environmental awareness across society and the enhancement of clean energy utilization. Furthermore, in envisioning an ideal world by 2050, candidates projected green and well-planned cities, environmentally conscious and healthy individuals, balanced ecosystems with preserved biodiversity, an education system centered on environmental sustainability, and the environmentally responsible application of technology.
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