Identifying Gaps and Priorities: A Needs Analysis of Astronomy Teacher Training in Türkiye

7th Shaw-IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, Heidelberg, Germany, 18 - 21 November 2025, pp.160-161, (Full Text)

This study reveals the analysis of a needs analysis conducted in a

teacher training workshop in Türkiye via an online questionnaire

completed by teachers, spanning primary to secondary education

and fields such as science, physics, and classroom teaching. Results

show strong demand for practical astronomy workshops (mean

score 4.8), activity development (4.6), and software training.

Teachers most often felt least competent in using observational

tools (e.g., telescopes), developing hands-on activities, and

applying astronomy software. Limited telescope access and

the need for curriculum integration emerged as key challenges.

Findings guide the design of targeted professional development in

astronomy education