The Effect of STEM Training with Educational Robotics Applications Designed for Classroom Teachers on the STEM Awareness and Attitudes of Teachers.

In today's conditions, the needs of the labor market are changing in parallel with technological developments and the need for individuals trained in STEM is increasing. For this reason, it is a priority to increase the skills and awareness of teachers who will guide individuals trained in the field of STEM. In this study, a STEM training with educational robotics applications was designed for classroom teachers. The education included theoretical and practical STEM instruction conducted by expert academicians, utilizing next-generation educational robotic kits to facilitate sample STEM activities. The primary aim was to equip teachers with skills aligned with the elementary school curriculum, emphasizing a focus on STEM learning outcomes. As a result of the training, teachers were able to develop their own STEM activities. The study, which was modeled with a one-group pretest-posttest research design, examined the changes in the attitudes towards STEM and STEM awareness of the participants as a result of the STEM education they received. In conclusion, it is observed that the participants' attitudes towards STEM education and their awareness of STEM have increased by the end of the education. Additionally, the participants believe that STEM educational activities should be included in the curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]