An Investigation of Participants’ and Workshop Leaders’/Guides’ Event Evaluations within the Scope of the TÜBİTAK 4007 "Bilecik Science Festival in the Light of Türkiye Century

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the evaluations of participant students and workshop leaders/guides regarding the event process within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 4007 project titled "Bilecik Science Festival in the Context of the Century of Türkiye." The survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was employed in the study. Data were collected using the Participant Evaluation Scale and the Organization Evaluation Scale; descriptive statistics as well as independent samples t-test and Welch’s test were utilized in the analyses. The findings revealed that the evaluations of students and staff members regarding the festival process were generally positive. Significant differences were found among students according to grade level and gender; male students scored higher on certain sub-dimensions, and primary and high school students evaluated the event more positively compared to middle school students. No significant difference was observed among the evaluations of the staff members. The findings largely align with similar studies in the literature, indicating that science festivals provide effective learning environments that support students' scientific interest, willingness to learn, and social interaction skills. Based on the findings, recommendations were developed for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.