Examination of the 2024 Social Studies Curriculum in the Context of 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals

Authors : Betul Yıldız, Sercan Bursa

Pages : 55-77

View : 94 | Download : 125

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Social studies education, due to its interdisciplinary nature, is an effective course for delivering sustainable development education. This study examines how the specific objectives and learning outcomes in the 2024 Social Studies Curriculum (SSC) (grades 4, 5, 6, and 7) align with the United Nations (UN) 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing document analysis. Data were collected from the 2024 SSC and the UN 2030 SDGs booklet and analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. The findings show that the special aims of the curriculum insufficiently reflect the goals of “No Poverty,” “Zero Hunger,” and “Good Health and Well-Being.” In contrast, the goal of “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” is strongly aligned with both the special aims and the learning outcomes across all grade levels. The analysis also indicates that the learning outcomes in Grades 4, 5, and 6 do not adequately address “No Poverty,” while those in Grades 5, 6, and 7 insufficiently reflect “Good Health and Well-Being.” Moreover, “Decent Work and Economic Growth” is only partially represented in the learning outcomes of Grades 4 and 5, and “Climate Action” is insufficiently reflected in Grades 6 and 7. These gaps may limit the curriculum’s capacity to foster sustainability literacy and global citizenship skills from early ages, thereby weakening its potential to convey sustainability awareness through a holistic approach. Based on the results, recommendations for curriculum planners and researchers are presented.
Keywords : Sosyal Bilgiler Dersi, Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma, 2024 Sosyal Bilgiler Dersi Öğretim Programı

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