Application of Fuzzy Delphi Method in Teachers’ Preparations of Planning the Early Science Teaching in Preschools

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the preparations of preschool teachers in applying the Early Science teaching method effectively in planning the teaching and learning process (TnL) of Early Science in preschools. This study obtained the experts’ agreement on the construction of teachers’ teaching preparations elements before TnL sessions. This study also used the Fuzzy Delphi method by distributing a questionnaire to 15 experts consisting of lecturers, preschool teachers and professionals in the field of Early Childhood Education and science curriculum based on the set criteria. There were 6 items related to teachers’ preparations before the teaching sessions of Early Science activities began. The dangerous percentage values indicated that teachers need thorough preparations before starting the Early Science teaching sessions in preschools. All experts agreed that all the items were teachers’ preparations elements because the proposed elements had met the triangular fuzzy number condition of the threshold value (d) ≤ 0.2 and the experts’ agreement percentage of ≥ 75%.  As the conclusion,  teachers’ preparations before the teaching and learning sessions are the most important factor that determines the quality of teaching. The implication of this study suggests that preschool teachers can make these teaching preparations as a continuous practice to improve the teaching professionalism.