The beliefs towards science teaching orientation of pre-service teachers in primary teacher education programme

The present research seeks to describe the beliefs of pre-service trainee teachers in primary teacher education programme with regard to science teaching orientation. respondents consisted of 100 sixth (introductory-level),and 120 eight semester (advanced-level) students in a primary teacher education programme. they came from different high school backgrounds such as science,non-science,and vocational education. beliefs towards science teaching orientation cover aspects such as specific science curriculum,knowledge of student understanding of science,knowledge of instructional strategies,and knowledge of assessment of science literacy. data were collected with the use of a 23-item questionnaire using a 4-point likert scale – ranging from agree to disagree. advanced level and introductory level students had significant effects on beliefs although gender and different high school backgrounds did not differ in terms of beliefs about science teaching orientation. therefore,results indicated the belief of pre-service teachers is an important aspect to support science teaching orientation. the pre-service teachers must master the sto component to succeed as science teachers in primary education programme. © universiti putra malaysia press.