Examining the materials and processes developed by preservice preschool teachers with 3D printers and CNC machines

This study aimed to examine the development process of materials created by preservice preschool teachers using a 3D printer and a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. The study group consisted of preservice preschool teachers enrolled in the second grade during the fall semester of the 2022–2023 academic year at a state university located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. An embedded mixed-methods research design was employed in this study. The self-efficacy scale of teaching material utilization (SSTMU) was utilized to collect quantitative data, while the intervention status evaluation form (ISEF) and the daily intervention evaluation form (DIEF) were used to gather qualitative data. During the implementation phase, preservice teachers developed materials using a 3D printer and a CNC machine for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education over a period of six weeks. At the conclusion of the implementation, an increase in the self-efficacy scores of the preservice teachers regarding the utilization of teaching materials was observed. An analysis of the pre- and post-implementation feedback from the preservice teachers revealed that they were able to apply the knowledge they acquired in areas, such as message design, visual design, and usage, demonstrating this through the personal competencies they developed. Based on the quantitative and qualitative findings, the research suggests that materials developed with 3D printers and CNC machines can be effectively used in STEM education and that their implementation in this context can assist teachers in acquiring knowledge and skills relevant to the subjects being taught.