Şule Elmalı

Şule Elmalı is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education at the Faculty of Education, Sakarya University. Her academic work is centered on improving science education through innovative pedagogical approaches, teacher training, and technology integration. She teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses related to science teaching, environmental education, and STEM applications.

Her research interests include science education, STEM education, environmental education, educational technology, pre-service teacher training, reflective thinking, and laboratory applications in biology. She has conducted studies on ecological footprint awareness, outdoor education, Web 2.0 tools, mobile applications in biology labs, and the impact of STEM programs on teacher autonomy and entrepreneurship skills. Her work emphasizes conceptual understanding in early science education, such as children's ideas about floating and sinking, and lunar observation experiences among teacher candidates.

Her recent publications (2021–2024) span international journals like the Journal of Biological Education and Hacettepe University Journal of Education, focusing on dissection methods, professional development for science teachers, and nature-based learning. These works reflect a trend toward technology-enhanced, experiential, and inquiry-based science education, with a strong focus on teacher development and student conceptual change.

• TÜBİTAK Publication Incentive Award

She has supervised academic contributions through course instruction and research projects, including a professional development program for science teachers in science and art centers. Her work also includes collaborations on research projects related to STEM education, nature-based programs for gifted students, and science center initiatives.

She is actively involved in research projects such as the development and evaluation of technology-based in-service training programs for science teachers at science and art centers. She has also contributed to book chapters, such as 'From Theory to Practice: Bringing Life into the Classroom,' and presented at numerous international conferences. Her work bridges theory and practice in science education, aiming to enhance teaching quality and student engagement.