WITHDRAWN: Development and validation of a self-assessment scale for biomimicry teaching in science education

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a self-assessment scale designed to measure teachers’ competencies in biomimicry teaching within the context of science education. The sample consists of 543 in-service teachers from various educational settings. The validation process included expert reviews, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), test-retest reliability, and criterion-related validity using an established environmental literacy scale. The final version of the scale comprises 27 items grouped under six factors: attitudes toward biomimicry teaching, awareness of biomimicry applications, attitudes toward nature, awareness of biomimicry concepts, self-assessment of biomimicry pedagogy, and self-efficacy in biomimicry teaching. These six factors explain 70.08% of the total variance. CFA confirmed the model, with factor loadings ranging from 0.41 to 0.98. The scale also demonstrated high internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.74 to 0.95. A strong positive correlation with the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults supports criterion validity. Overall, the scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing teachers' competence in biomimicry teaching, particularly in science education contexts.