Original article | International Journal of Progressive Education 2017, Vol. 13(3) 112-128
An Examination of the Epistemological Views and Learning Styles of Pre-Service Teachers
Gökhan Güneş, Kaan Batı & Mehmet Katrancı
pp. 112 - 128 | Manu. Number: ijpe.2017.031
Published online: October 08, 2017 | Number of Views: 412 | Number of Download: 951
Abstract
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that investigates human knowledge, in particular its source, nature, limitations, system, and accuracy. The most critical issues in epistemology are considered to be belief in the nature of knowledge and belief in the nature of knowing. Since epistemology involves the structuring processes of knowledge, it assumed to be associated with individual differences, which are influential in determining an individual’s ability to organize their thoughts and behaviors as well as personal choices. In addition, the most typical reflections of individual differences are observed in learning styles. Therefore, in this research, we aimed to examine the relationship between the epistemological views and learning styles of pre-service teachers. The study was based on a quantitative design and the epistemological views of the pre-service teachers were determined using the Scientific Epistemological Beliefs Scale developed by Elder (2002) and adapted to Turkish by Acat, Tüken and Karadağ (2010). In addition, the index of learning styles developed by Felder and Soloman (1996) and adapted to Turkish by Samanci and Keskin (2007) was used to identify the participants’ learning styles. A total of 698 pre-service teachers from two state universities in Turkey constituted the sample of the research. According to the overall results, the pre-service teachers adopted philosophical skepticism and were inclined towards an active/sensing/visual/sequential learning style. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between the participants' learning styles and their epistemological views.
Keywords: Pre-service teachers, epistemological views, learning styles
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