Identifying Gaps and Priorities: A Needs Analysis of Astronomy Teacher Training in Türkiye.

This is a poster presented at the 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, organised by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE, https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/7th-shaw-iau-workshop/).

Title: 
Identifying Gaps and Priorities: A Needs Analysis of Astronomy Teacher Training in Türkiye

Presenter:
Ayşegül Yelkenci (Istanbul Kültür University)

This study reveals the analysis of a needs analysis conducted in a teacher training workshop in Türkiye via an online questionnaire completed by teachers, spanning primary to secondary education and fields such as science, physics, and classroom teaching. Results show strong demand for practical astronomy workshops (mean score 4.8), activity development (4.6), and software training. Teachers most often felt least competent in using observational tools (e.g., telescopes), developing hands-on activities, and applying astronomy software. Limited telescope access and the need for curriculum integration emerged as key challenges. Findings guide the design of targeted professional development in astronomy education.

Collaborators:
Dursun Koçer

About the 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop:
The 7th Shaw-IAU Workshop took place 18 - 21 November 2025. The Shaw-IAU workshops focus on astronomy education for primary and secondary school students and teacher training both in universities and in service. This year's Education focus session on Teaching with authentic data and the Science focus is on Galaxies.

More details can be found on: https://astro4edu.org/shaw-iau/

Keep up to date with future Shaw-IAU Workshops and other opportunities at the IAU Office of Astronomy for Education by joining our mailing list https://astro4edu.org/mailing-list/

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