Pre-Service Biology Teachers’ Awareness of Climate Change: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study

Today, climate change has become one of the most significant environmental problems, with its far-reaching effects that know no borders and its presence in nearly every aspect of life. Determining the awareness levels of pre-service teachers, who will equip students with knowledge and skills related to climate change in the near future, will make an important contribution to raising public awareness. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness levels of pre-service teachers regarding climate change. In addition, the study aims to deeply examine the pre-service teachers' awareness by analyzing their opinions on the causes, effects, and consequences of climate change, as well as the behaviors they plan to implement in their daily lives and professional careers. The data in the study were collected using a mixed-methods approach that included both quantitative and qualitative data. A descriptive survey model was used for the quantitative data, and a phenomenological design was used for the qualitative data. The study group was determined through a convenience sampling method and consisted of 90 pre-service biology teachers studying in the Department of Biology Education at a faculty of education in Ankara. The quantitative data were collected using the Climate Change Awareness Scale developed by Gönen, Deveci, and Aydede (2023). The reliability coefficient of the scale for this study was determined to be .94. The qualitative data were obtained through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers. According to the results of the study, it was found that the pre-service teachers had a high level of awareness regarding climate change. Among the causes of climate change, the pre-service teachers mentioned excessive and unconscious consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; among the consequences, they cited seasonal changes, disruption of the natural balance, and damage to living spaces. It was emphasized that they felt anxious and worried about climate change and that they frequently exhibited environmentally friendly behaviors in their daily lives, such as avoiding unnecessary consumption, conserving resources, and using public transportation. In their professional lives, pre-service teachers stated that, in addition to informing and raising awareness among their students, they planned to carry out various activities and project-based work with them. As a result of the study, it is recommended that, in order to strongly transform high awareness of climate change into action, experimental trainings focused on design and implementation, as well as exemplary projects aimed at increasing environmental awareness, should be carried out.