Enhancing engineering design, scientific creativity, and decision-making skills in prospective science teachers through engineering design-based robotics coding applications

BackgroundEngineering design-based robotics coding applications are innovative approaches in science education that can enhance key skills among prospective science teachers. Addressing global environmental issues within these applications provides a unique context for developing engineering design skills, scientific creativity, and decision-making abilities.PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effects of engineering design-based robotics coding applications, conducted within the context of global environmental issues, on the engineering design skills, scientific creativity, and decision-making abilities of prospective science teachers.SampleThe research was conducted with prospective science teachers at a state university in Turkey during the 2022-2023 academic year.Design and methodsThe study employed the convergent parallel design of mixed research methods. Quantitative data were collected using the 'Engineering Design Skills Scale', 'Scientific Creativity Scale', and 'Decision-Making Skills Scale'. Qualitative data were gathered through a 'Semi-Structured Interview Form'.ResultsThe findings revealed that engineering design-based robotics coding applications significantly improved the engineering design skills, scientific creativity, and decision-making abilities of prospective science teachers.ConclusionsThese results suggest that integrating such applications into science teacher education, particularly in the context of global environmental issues, can play a vital role in equipping future educators to address environmental challenges. This study underscores the importance of innovative approaches in teacher education to strengthen prospective teachers' ability to develop solutions to environmental problems.