Exploring Middle School Students’ Opinions about an Out-of-School Platform: The Case of Space and Aviation Training Center
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Published
Jun 30, 2025
Abstract
The importance of out-of-school learning environments has been increasing day by day as young learners have the opportunity to gain first-hand experiences with scientific content outside formal science classes. Based on this importance, the aim of this study is to explore middle school students’ opinions before and after participating in a space and aviation training center visit. The current study was designed as action research. Data were collected from six sixth-grade students. Nine open-ended questions were administered to the participants before and after participating in a space and aviation training center visit. The participants answered the questions in written form. While most students had never been in an out-of-school environment, they indicated that the visit helped them to recall and learn the subject more easily. In addition, students indicated that out-of-school learning opportunities as they experienced increased their interest and helped to develop more positive attitudes toward the topic.
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Keywords
Action Research, Middle School Students, Opinions, Out-of-School Visit
References
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Anderson, D., & Zhang, Z. (2003). Teacher perceptions of field-trip planning and implementation. Visitor Studies Today, 6(3), 6-11.
Armağan, B. (2015). Outdoor learning environments in elementary school fourth grade science teaching: An action research. (Unpublished master thesis). Dokuz Eylul University
Aslan, A. (2022). The opinions and needs of science center instructors: The case of Gokmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM). Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 80(6), 792-810.
Ates, A. & Lane, J.F. (2020). Analyzing school-museum relations to improve partnerships for learning: A case study. Education and Science, 45(201), 231-246. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15390/EB.2019.8017
Avan, Ç., Gülgün, C., Yılmaz, A., & Doğanay, K. (2019). Out of school learning environment in STEM education: Kastamonu Science Camp. Journal of STEAM Education, 2(1), 39-51.
Aydemir, İ., & Toker-Gökçe, A. (2016). Okul yöneticilerinin okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarına ilişkin görüşleri [School administrators’ views on out-of-school learning environments.]. Proceedings of IIIrd International Eurasian Educational Research Congress (pp.630-638). Anı Publishing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322855381_Okul_Yoneticilerinin_Okul_Disi_Ogrenme_Ortamlarina_Iliskin_Gorusleri_Perspectives_Of_School_Adminisrators_Regarding_Informal_LearningEducation_Settings
Bakioğlu, B. & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2020). Pupil views on the use of out-of-school learning environments in teaching process. Journal of Research in Informal Environments, 5(1), 80-94.
Behrendt, M., & Franklin, T. (2014). A review of research on school field trips and their value in education. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 9(3), 235-245.
Bell, P., Lewenstein, B., Shouse, A.W., & Feder, M.A. (Eds.). (2009). Learning science in informal environments. National Research Council.
Braund, M., & Reiss, M. (2006). Towards a more authentic science curriculum: The contribution of out-of-school learning. International Journal of Science Education, 28(12), 1373-1388. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690500498419
Cebesoy, U.B., & Karisan, D. (2022). Teaching the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change using outdoor educational workshop. Research in Science & Technological Education, 40(3), 340-362. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2020.1799777
Demir, E., & Çetin, F. (2022). Teachers’ attitudes towards out-of-school learning activities. Gazi Univers ity Journal of Gazi Education Faculty, 42(2), 1443-1461.
Demir, N., & Armağan, F. Ö. (2018). Science teachers’ views about informal learning environments: Planetarium. International Journal of Social Humanities Sciences Research, 5(30), 4241-4248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26450/jshsr.861
Demirel, R., & Özcan, H. (2020). A field trip to an out-of-school learning environment with middle school students: The case of tropical butterfly garden. Journal of Research in Informal Environments, 5(2), 120-144.
DeWitt, J., & Storksdieck, M. (2008). A short review of school field trips: Key findings from the past and implications for the future. Visitor studies, 11(2), 181-197. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10645570802355562
Elmas, C., Aslan, O., & Hakverdi Can, M. H. (2021). Pre-service science teachers’ opinions about environments. The case of MTA field trip. Journal of Research in Informal Environments, 6(1), 24-42.
Ernst, J. (2007). Factors associated with K-12 teachers’ use of environment-based education. The Journal of Environmental Education, 38(3), 15-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/JOEE.38.3.15-32
Ertuğrul, A., & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2020). Okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarına yönelik sınıf öğretmenlerinin görüşleri: Kayseri bilim merkezi [Classroom teachers’ views on out-of-school learning environments: Kayseri science center]. Sosyal Bilimler Araştırma Dergisi, 9(2), 107-116.
Eshach, H. (2007). Bridging in-school and out-of-school learning: Formal, non-formal, and informal education. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 16, 171-190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-006-9027-1
Farmer, J., Knapp, D., & Benton, G. M. (2007). An elementary school environmental education field trip: Long-term effects on ecological and environmental knowledge and attitude development. The Journal of Environmental Education, 38(3), 33-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/JOEE.38.3.33-42
Ferrance, E. (2000). Action Research. Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University (LAB). https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:qbjs2293
Gürsoy, G. (2018). Outdoor learning environments in science education. Electronic Turkish Studies, 13(11), 623-649. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.13225
İnce, S., & Akcanca, N. (2021). Parents’ views on out-of-school learning environments in preschool education. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 58, 172-197. DOI: http://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.886446
Jarvis, T., & Pell, A. (2005). Factors influencing elementary school children’s attitudes toward science before, during, and after a visit to the UK National Space Centre. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 42(1), 53-83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20045
Karslı, G., Karamustafaoğlu, O., & Kurt, M. (2019). The effect of botanical garden on socio-scientific issues of students’ perspectives in the teaching process: Sustainable environment. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 7(14), 437-463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.603489
Kartal, A., & Şeyhoğlu, A. (2020). “Museums” as outdoor education environment in social studies from students’ perspective. Gazi Journal of Educational Sciences, 6(1), 128. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/110.30855/gjes.2020.06.01.008
Kesaplı Can Can, Ö., Lane, J. F., & Ateşkan, A. (2017). Facilitating place-based environmental education through bird studies: An action research investigation. Environmental Education Research, 23(5), 733-747. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2016.1233389
Kubat, U. (2018). Opinions of pre-service science teachers about outdoor education. Mehmet Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 48, 111-135. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.429575
Küçük, A., & Yıldırım, N. (2021). The effect of out-of-school learning environments’ on the academic achievement of the human and environment unit. Journal of Science Teaching, 9(2), 205-264.
Lombard, M., Snyder-Duch, J., & Bracken, C. C. (2002). Content analysis in mass communication: Assessment and reporting of intercoder reliability. Human Communication Research, 28(4), 587-604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2002.tb00826.x
Michie, M. (1998). Factors influencing secondary science teachers to organise and conduct field trips. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 44(4), 43.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage.
Ministry of National Education [MoNE]. (2018). Fen bilimleri dersi öğretim program (ilkokul ve ortaokul 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflar) [Science teaching curriculum (Primary and middle school grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8]. Talim Terbiye Kurumu Başkanlığı. https://mufredat.meb.gov.tr/Dosyalar/201812312311937-FEN%20BİLİMLERİ%20ÖĞRETİM%20PROGRAMI2018.pdf
Ministry of National Education [MoNE]. (2024). Türkiye Yüzyılı Maarif Modeli öğretim programlari ortak metni [Common text of Türkiye Century Education Model teaching programmes]. https://tymm.meb.gov.tr/upload/brosur/2024programortakmetinOnayli.pdf
Morag, o., & Tal, t. (2012). Assessing learning in the outdoors with the field trip in natural environments (FiNE) framework. International Journal of Science Education, 34(5), 745-777. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.599046
Nadelson, L. S., & Jordan, J. R. (2012). Student attitudes toward and recall of outside day: An environmental science field trip. The Journal of Educational Research, 105(3), 220-231. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2011.576715
Orion, N., & Hofstein, A. (1994). Factors that influence learning during a scientific field trip in a natural environment. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 31(10), 1097-1119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.3660311005
Pedretti, E. (2002). T. Kuhn meets T. Rex: Critical conversations and new directions in science centres and science museums. Studies in Science Education, 37, 1–42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057260208560176
Pedretti, E., & Soren, B. J. (2003). A question of truth: A cacophony of visitor voices. Journal of Museum Education, 28(3), 17-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10598650.2003.11510486
Pedretti, E., Macdonald, R., Gitari, W., & McLaughlin, H. (2001). Visitor perspectives on the nature and practice of science: Challenging beliefs through A Question of Truth. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 1(4), 399–418. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14926150109556482
Pine, G. J. (2008). Teacher action research: Building knowledge democracies. Sage.
Saraç, H. (2017). Research related to outdoor learning environments in Turkey: Content analysis study. Journal of Education, Theory and Practical Research, 3(2), 60-81.
Sontay, G., Tutar, M., & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2016). Student views about “science teaching with outdoor learning environments: Planetarium tour. Journal of Research in Informal Environments (JRINEN), 1(1), 1-24.
Soysal, E. (2019). Okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarinin ortaokul 7. sınıf öğrencilerinin fen bilimleri dersine yönelik ilgi, tutum ve motivasyonlarina etkisi [The effects of out of school learning environment on attitude, interest and motivation toward science course of 7th grade students]. (Unpublished Master Thesis). Gazi University.
Tal, T., & Morag, O. (2009). Reflective practice as a means for preparing to teach outdoors in an ecological garden. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 20(3), 245-262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-009-9131-1
Tunnicliffe, S. D., Lucas, A. M., & Osborne, J. (1997). School visits to zoos and museums: a missed educational opportunity? International Journal of Science Education, 19(9), 1039-1056. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0950069970190904
Yavuz-Topaloğlu, M., & Balkan-Kıyıcı, F. (2017). The effect of hydroelectric power plants trip on students’ conceptual understanding. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 13(3), 1151-1172. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17860/mersinefd.332502
Yavuz, M., & Kıyıcı, F. B. (2012). Students’ opinions regarding the usage of zoos in science teaching. The Journal of SAU Education Faculty, 24(24), 134-156.
Yıldırım, A. & Şimşek, H. (2011). Qualitative research methods in social sciences, Seçkin Yayıncılık.
Yıldız, E. (2022). Evaluation of preschool teachers’ use of out-of-school learning. Journal of Bayburt Education Faculty, 17(33), 94-127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35675/befdergi.826566
Yolcu, H., & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2021). Teachers’ opinions on the scientific effect of a virtual trip to Konya science center. Ahi Evran University Kırşehir Education Faculty Journal, 22(3), 1925-1983.
Anderson, D., & Zhang, Z. (2003). Teacher perceptions of field-trip planning and implementation. Visitor Studies Today, 6(3), 6-11.
Armağan, B. (2015). Outdoor learning environments in elementary school fourth grade science teaching: An action research. (Unpublished master thesis). Dokuz Eylul University
Aslan, A. (2022). The opinions and needs of science center instructors: The case of Gokmen Space and Aviation Training Center (GUHEM). Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 80(6), 792-810.
Ates, A. & Lane, J.F. (2020). Analyzing school-museum relations to improve partnerships for learning: A case study. Education and Science, 45(201), 231-246. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15390/EB.2019.8017
Avan, Ç., Gülgün, C., Yılmaz, A., & Doğanay, K. (2019). Out of school learning environment in STEM education: Kastamonu Science Camp. Journal of STEAM Education, 2(1), 39-51.
Aydemir, İ., & Toker-Gökçe, A. (2016). Okul yöneticilerinin okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarına ilişkin görüşleri [School administrators’ views on out-of-school learning environments.]. Proceedings of IIIrd International Eurasian Educational Research Congress (pp.630-638). Anı Publishing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322855381_Okul_Yoneticilerinin_Okul_Disi_Ogrenme_Ortamlarina_Iliskin_Gorusleri_Perspectives_Of_School_Adminisrators_Regarding_Informal_LearningEducation_Settings
Bakioğlu, B. & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2020). Pupil views on the use of out-of-school learning environments in teaching process. Journal of Research in Informal Environments, 5(1), 80-94.
Behrendt, M., & Franklin, T. (2014). A review of research on school field trips and their value in education. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 9(3), 235-245.
Bell, P., Lewenstein, B., Shouse, A.W., & Feder, M.A. (Eds.). (2009). Learning science in informal environments. National Research Council.
Braund, M., & Reiss, M. (2006). Towards a more authentic science curriculum: The contribution of out-of-school learning. International Journal of Science Education, 28(12), 1373-1388. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690500498419
Cebesoy, U.B., & Karisan, D. (2022). Teaching the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change using outdoor educational workshop. Research in Science & Technological Education, 40(3), 340-362. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2020.1799777
Demir, E., & Çetin, F. (2022). Teachers’ attitudes towards out-of-school learning activities. Gazi Univers ity Journal of Gazi Education Faculty, 42(2), 1443-1461.
Demir, N., & Armağan, F. Ö. (2018). Science teachers’ views about informal learning environments: Planetarium. International Journal of Social Humanities Sciences Research, 5(30), 4241-4248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26450/jshsr.861
Demirel, R., & Özcan, H. (2020). A field trip to an out-of-school learning environment with middle school students: The case of tropical butterfly garden. Journal of Research in Informal Environments, 5(2), 120-144.
DeWitt, J., & Storksdieck, M. (2008). A short review of school field trips: Key findings from the past and implications for the future. Visitor studies, 11(2), 181-197. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10645570802355562
Elmas, C., Aslan, O., & Hakverdi Can, M. H. (2021). Pre-service science teachers’ opinions about environments. The case of MTA field trip. Journal of Research in Informal Environments, 6(1), 24-42.
Ernst, J. (2007). Factors associated with K-12 teachers’ use of environment-based education. The Journal of Environmental Education, 38(3), 15-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/JOEE.38.3.15-32
Ertuğrul, A., & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2020). Okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarına yönelik sınıf öğretmenlerinin görüşleri: Kayseri bilim merkezi [Classroom teachers’ views on out-of-school learning environments: Kayseri science center]. Sosyal Bilimler Araştırma Dergisi, 9(2), 107-116.
Eshach, H. (2007). Bridging in-school and out-of-school learning: Formal, non-formal, and informal education. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 16, 171-190. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-006-9027-1
Farmer, J., Knapp, D., & Benton, G. M. (2007). An elementary school environmental education field trip: Long-term effects on ecological and environmental knowledge and attitude development. The Journal of Environmental Education, 38(3), 33-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/JOEE.38.3.33-42
Ferrance, E. (2000). Action Research. Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University (LAB). https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:qbjs2293
Gürsoy, G. (2018). Outdoor learning environments in science education. Electronic Turkish Studies, 13(11), 623-649. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.13225
İnce, S., & Akcanca, N. (2021). Parents’ views on out-of-school learning environments in preschool education. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 58, 172-197. DOI: http://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.886446
Jarvis, T., & Pell, A. (2005). Factors influencing elementary school children’s attitudes toward science before, during, and after a visit to the UK National Space Centre. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 42(1), 53-83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.20045
Karslı, G., Karamustafaoğlu, O., & Kurt, M. (2019). The effect of botanical garden on socio-scientific issues of students’ perspectives in the teaching process: Sustainable environment. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 7(14), 437-463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.603489
Kartal, A., & Şeyhoğlu, A. (2020). “Museums” as outdoor education environment in social studies from students’ perspective. Gazi Journal of Educational Sciences, 6(1), 128. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/110.30855/gjes.2020.06.01.008
Kesaplı Can Can, Ö., Lane, J. F., & Ateşkan, A. (2017). Facilitating place-based environmental education through bird studies: An action research investigation. Environmental Education Research, 23(5), 733-747. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2016.1233389
Kubat, U. (2018). Opinions of pre-service science teachers about outdoor education. Mehmet Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 48, 111-135. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.429575
Küçük, A., & Yıldırım, N. (2021). The effect of out-of-school learning environments’ on the academic achievement of the human and environment unit. Journal of Science Teaching, 9(2), 205-264.
Lombard, M., Snyder-Duch, J., & Bracken, C. C. (2002). Content analysis in mass communication: Assessment and reporting of intercoder reliability. Human Communication Research, 28(4), 587-604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2002.tb00826.x
Michie, M. (1998). Factors influencing secondary science teachers to organise and conduct field trips. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 44(4), 43.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Sage.
Ministry of National Education [MoNE]. (2018). Fen bilimleri dersi öğretim program (ilkokul ve ortaokul 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflar) [Science teaching curriculum (Primary and middle school grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8]. Talim Terbiye Kurumu Başkanlığı. https://mufredat.meb.gov.tr/Dosyalar/201812312311937-FEN%20BİLİMLERİ%20ÖĞRETİM%20PROGRAMI2018.pdf
Ministry of National Education [MoNE]. (2024). Türkiye Yüzyılı Maarif Modeli öğretim programlari ortak metni [Common text of Türkiye Century Education Model teaching programmes]. https://tymm.meb.gov.tr/upload/brosur/2024programortakmetinOnayli.pdf
Morag, o., & Tal, t. (2012). Assessing learning in the outdoors with the field trip in natural environments (FiNE) framework. International Journal of Science Education, 34(5), 745-777. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2011.599046
Nadelson, L. S., & Jordan, J. R. (2012). Student attitudes toward and recall of outside day: An environmental science field trip. The Journal of Educational Research, 105(3), 220-231. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2011.576715
Orion, N., & Hofstein, A. (1994). Factors that influence learning during a scientific field trip in a natural environment. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 31(10), 1097-1119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.3660311005
Pedretti, E. (2002). T. Kuhn meets T. Rex: Critical conversations and new directions in science centres and science museums. Studies in Science Education, 37, 1–42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057260208560176
Pedretti, E., & Soren, B. J. (2003). A question of truth: A cacophony of visitor voices. Journal of Museum Education, 28(3), 17-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10598650.2003.11510486
Pedretti, E., Macdonald, R., Gitari, W., & McLaughlin, H. (2001). Visitor perspectives on the nature and practice of science: Challenging beliefs through A Question of Truth. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 1(4), 399–418. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14926150109556482
Pine, G. J. (2008). Teacher action research: Building knowledge democracies. Sage.
Saraç, H. (2017). Research related to outdoor learning environments in Turkey: Content analysis study. Journal of Education, Theory and Practical Research, 3(2), 60-81.
Sontay, G., Tutar, M., & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2016). Student views about “science teaching with outdoor learning environments: Planetarium tour. Journal of Research in Informal Environments (JRINEN), 1(1), 1-24.
Soysal, E. (2019). Okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarinin ortaokul 7. sınıf öğrencilerinin fen bilimleri dersine yönelik ilgi, tutum ve motivasyonlarina etkisi [The effects of out of school learning environment on attitude, interest and motivation toward science course of 7th grade students]. (Unpublished Master Thesis). Gazi University.
Tal, T., & Morag, O. (2009). Reflective practice as a means for preparing to teach outdoors in an ecological garden. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 20(3), 245-262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-009-9131-1
Tunnicliffe, S. D., Lucas, A. M., & Osborne, J. (1997). School visits to zoos and museums: a missed educational opportunity? International Journal of Science Education, 19(9), 1039-1056. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0950069970190904
Yavuz-Topaloğlu, M., & Balkan-Kıyıcı, F. (2017). The effect of hydroelectric power plants trip on students’ conceptual understanding. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 13(3), 1151-1172. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17860/mersinefd.332502
Yavuz, M., & Kıyıcı, F. B. (2012). Students’ opinions regarding the usage of zoos in science teaching. The Journal of SAU Education Faculty, 24(24), 134-156.
Yıldırım, A. & Şimşek, H. (2011). Qualitative research methods in social sciences, Seçkin Yayıncılık.
Yıldız, E. (2022). Evaluation of preschool teachers’ use of out-of-school learning. Journal of Bayburt Education Faculty, 17(33), 94-127. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35675/befdergi.826566
Yolcu, H., & Karamustafaoğlu, O. (2021). Teachers’ opinions on the scientific effect of a virtual trip to Konya science center. Ahi Evran University Kırşehir Education Faculty Journal, 22(3), 1925-1983.
How to Cite
Türk, Özlem, & Cebesoy, U. B. (2025). Exploring Middle School Students’ Opinions about an Out-of-School Platform: The Case of Space and Aviation Training Center. Science Insights Education Frontiers, 28(2), 4657–4673. https://doi.org/10.15354/sief.25.or794
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