The effect of insect workshop on students' insect intrinsic motivation

Workshop on students' insect intrinsic motivation

Abstract

It is noted that insects (insecta), which constitute an important group of invertebrate animals, can be used in the field of environmental education. It is also thought that the use of insects in the classroom in the field of environmental education will have a positive effect on the insect intrinsic motivations (BİM) of the students. In the study, within the scope of environmental education, the effect of insect workshop made with Tenebrio molitor L. epoxy metamorphosis material on insect intrinsic motivations of students was investigated. In addition, the opinions of the students about Tenebrio molitor L. epoxy metamorphosis material and insect workshop were determined. In the study, case study was used from qualitative research methods. Within the scope of the research, a semi-structured interview form and observation form were used and the qualitative data obtained were evaluated by using the content analysis method. The research was conducted in the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year with a total of 10 volunteer students, three boys and seven girls, who were studying in the 8th grade of a primary school in Ankara, Turkey. In the research, an insect workshop prepared with epoxy metamorphosis materials showing the developmental stages of Tenebrio molitor L. was made. Although students have negative feelings towards insects, when they receive training about insects, it is understood that they are interested in insects, curious about them, want to learn and show interest in insect activities. It was also determined that although the students experienced disgust or fear towards insects, they wanted to make another insect material similar to the epoxy method. It shows that with similar insect workshops, the fear of insects can be reduced or even eliminated in some students. It has been determined that the insect workshop has a positive effect on the intrinsic motivation of the majority of the students. It is also understood that in the fears of insects that students have, their families and environment have a significant influence. In the research, it was seen that everyone in the families of the students who reacted most negatively experienced insect fear. From this, it is understood that the negative thoughts that students have against insects are actually due to their environment and it is thought that insect education should be given to adults.