Investigation of Preschool Teacher Candidates' Views on Zero Waste

Abstract

Individuals' perspectives and views on zero waste are important in terms of minimizing the damage to the environment and a sustainable world. At this point, especially the level of educators' understanding of sustainability and zero waste will directly affect the worldview of students, who are the individuals of the future. The aim of this study is to determine and examine the views of pre-service preschool teachers on the concept of zero waste. Within the scope of the study, the views of 83 pre-service preschool teachers on zero waste were examined in depth using an interview form, and the data were analyzed by creating codes and categories. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the process. As a result of the study, it was determined that pre-service preschool teachers have limited knowledge about zero waste and sustainability. In addition, the fact that most pre-service teachers defined zero waste as recyclable waste indicates that there is an incomplete learning. It was determined that pre-service preschool teachers have limited knowledge and experience about reduce and reuse, which are recommended for a sustainable environment, and which take place before recycling in the zero waste hierarchy. Another important result was that pre-service preschool teachers prioritized especially plastic wastes in terms of recycling. In line with these results, it is recommended that these issues should be included in the education programmed for pre-service teachers.