Pre-Service Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Nuclear Energy And The Effect Of Fukushima Nuclear Disaster On Their Attitudes

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate teacher candidates’ attitudes towards nuclear energy and changes in their views about the construction of nuclear power plant after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. Working group of the study was composed of 484 teacher candidates attending the Faculties of Education of two Turkish State universities. Study findings present that 29% (N:129) of teacher candidates had positive views about the construction of nuclear power plants and Fukushima accident did not affect their views whatsoever. 47% (N:229) of teacher candidates did not wish nuclear power plants to be constructed and kept their views after the Fukushima incident whereas 23% (N = 113) of teacher candidates had positive opinions before the Fukushima incident but changed their views following the disaster. Findings show that approximately 50% of teacher candidates were against the construction of nuclear power plants and that 23% changed their views for the negative after the incident. Accordingly, the majority of teacher candidates was affected from the Fukushima incident and started to view the construction of nuclear power plants negatively. The study investigated teacher candidates’ attitudes on nuclear energy as an alternative which is still a significant and current problem and their views after the recent Fukushima nuclear accident. It is necessary for teacher candidates to have sufficient information in order to develop opinions about any topic.