A sample implementation of teaching molecular structure of DNA in the classroom and the opinions of teacher candidates about it

The purpose of this study is to carry out sample classroom applications in the teaching of the molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is the basis of the field of molecular biology, and obtaining the opinions of teacher candidates on these applications after they are completed. This is a basic, qualitative research study. The study was conducted in the fall semester of the academic year 2021-2022 at the Faculty of Education of a state university in Ankara. The participants from whom the data were collected were determined by the convenience sampling method. The research study group consisted of 15 teacher candidates, who were third-year biology students taking the molecular biology course. The interview form, developed by the researchers themselves and containing three questions, was the data collection tool for the study. Classroom applications used for the purposes of the study span a seven-year period. Teachings and other activities throughout the process were explained in detail. Thematic analysis, one of the qualitative analysis techniques, was used to analyze the data. In this study, an exemplary teaching practice/method was developed in DNA teaching. The findings showed that teacher candidates who took part in the application had positive views about the teaching of the subject and the process. In the future, various other teaching practices for other abstract concepts in biology can be developed and the views of prospective teachers explored. The effects of these classroom practices on the academic achievements, attitudes and motivation etc. of teacher candidates can be examined