Determination of Social Studies Teachers' Views on Spatial Skills

Authors : Damla Yıldırım, Bülent Akbaba

Pages : 72-98

Doi:10.38015/sbyy.1439718

View : 46 | Download : 59

Publication Date : 2024-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study is to determine social studies teachers\' views on spatial skills. In line with this purpose, the study was conducted using a basic qualitative design from qualitative research methods. The study group consisted of 9 social studies teachers working in public secondary schools affiliated to the Ministry of National Education in the 2022-23 academic year. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the data. As a result of the study, social studies teachers defined their spatial skills as defining space, using space as an educational environment, location knowledge, problem solving in daily life, perceiving space, human and space interaction and cognitive skills. Regarding the spatial skills in the social studies curriculum, the participants expressed map literacy, perceiving space, reading graphics, analyzing location, perceiving change and continuity, environmental literacy and observation. On the other hand, the participants expressed opinions on the inclusion of spatial skills in the social studies course as follows: few applications, disconnected from daily life, few sub-skills, decreasing as the education level progresses, near-far principle, and few achievements. The opinions of the participants regarding the activities for students to acquire spatial skills are as follows: reading and interpreting maps and sketches, spatial problem solving, creating and interpreting tables and graphs, using globes, traveling, observing the environment, using museums and historical places. Regarding the measurement and evaluation of spatial skills, participants used performance tasks, portfolio, demonstration, observation report, open-ended, interpretation-based exam, skill scale and presentation. As a result of the research, it is recommended that spatial skills should be included in the social studies curriculum and social studies textbooks, spatial skills should be measured and evaluated, and similar research should be conducted in the field of geography and preschool, where spatial skills have an important place.
Keywords : Mekânsal beceriler, sosyal bilgiler, sosyal bilgiler öğretmenleri, nitel araştırma yöntemleri, görüşme