Perceptions of the Prospective Teachers Regarding the Opinion Development Technique

Abstract

The opinion development technique is one of the learner centered teaching methods. In the study, it has been aimed at identifying the metaphorical perceptions of the prospective teachers about the opinion development technique. The case study design has been used in the study. 77 prospective teachers have taken place in the study group. The metaphors of the prospective teachers about the opinion development technique have been identified by a semi-structured questionnaire. The data has been analyzed through content analysis. 65 valid metaphors have been produced by the prospective teachers. Chameleon is the most repeated metaphor. Tree, sea, fingers of one hand, democracy, plane and war has followed it. Metaphors have been classed in 8 categories. These categories are dissimilarity (f: 26), change (f: 19), variety (f: 11), interaction (f: 6), integrity and comprehensiveness (f: 5), eternity (f: 4), freedom (f: 4) and sharing (f: 2). According to the results of the study, perceptions of the prospective teachers about the opinion development technique are positive. The study results suggest that opinion development technique can be effective to develop 21st century skills such as invention, flexibility and adaptation and critical thinking. Opinion development technique can be used at the teacher training institutions more widely because it contributes various skills to develop especially the 21st century skills. Studies can be carried out to identify the metaphorical perceptions of the prospective teachers about various methods and techniques.