English abstract
This study aimed to investigate the knowledge level of College of Education students at Sultan Qaboos University on some of the modern argumentative scientific issues, its relations to some variables such as (gender and major), and their attitude towards them. The study sample consisted of (141) students (male/ female). (95) Of them were from the science specializations, and (82) were from the humanity specializations. For the purposes of the study, and answering its questions, the researcher constructed two instruments: First: a knowledge level test consisting of (36) items (multiple choice) contributed on two study issues, genetic science and cloning. Second: the attitude scale towards the genetic science and cloning issues which consisted of (45) items distributed on the two study issues. The validity of instruments was checked out through a panel of (18) judges, and the validity of the attitude scale was checked out through a panel of (21) judges. The reliability was calculated to both using Cronvach-Alfa. For the knowledge level test, it was found to be (0,88), and the attitude scale was found to be (0.89) which indicates suitability of the two constructions for the study purposes. Results of this study revealed the following:
• Knowledge level of College of Education students on the genetic science and cloning issues was below the criterion level (70%). There was no statistical significant difference at the level (a < 0.05), for the College Of Education students level at Sultan Qaboos University in the test level with the gender difference.
• Significant Differences in knowledge exist in the knowledge level test in favor of the students who are in the science specializations.
• The attitude towards the two issues of College of Education students was found to be neutral.
•There was no statistical significant difference at the level (a < 0.05), in the level of attitude towards the two issues although of the difference in gender and specialization. . An inverse correlation exists between the College Of education students' knowledge level, and their attitude towards the two issues.
On the bases of the findings, the study recommends the importance of raising the knowledge level of College of Education students at Sultan Qaboos University on the two issues by including them in the study courses. Also, the study recommends the importance of the sentimental side, religion, morals, and social values when presenting and discussing these issues. The researcher also recommends further studies tackling such approach
