Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

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.

Biography:

A.F. Yelkenci is an Assistant Professor at Department of Physics, Istanbul Kultur University, Türkiye and serves as the deputy dean of Faulty of Science and Letters. She obtained her PhD from Istanbul University, Türkiye (2009). During her PhD studies, she worked as a visiting researcher in The Department of Physics, The Citadel Military College of Charleston, South Carolina, US (2006-2007). Her research interests focus on stellar atmospheres, chemically peculiar stars and elemental abundance analysis. She has served as general secretary of Turkish Astronomical Society (2016-2018) and IAU NOC for Turkey (2012-2018). She is now serving as NAEC Türkiye chair and contact person. She has been organizing astronomy teacher trainings since 2006.