An Investigation of Social Studies Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Perceptions Toward Spatial Technologies: A Case Study of Tokat Province

Authors : Emre Yildiz, Ömer Faruk Sönmez

Pages : 116-139

View : 67 | Download : 134

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study examined social studies teachers’ perceptions of their self-efficacy in using spatial technologies and determined whether these perceptions differed according to demographic variables. Conducted based on a quantitative research approach, the study features cross-sectional descriptive survey and causal comparative design characteristics. The sample of the study consists of 190 social studies teachers working in Tokat province, selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using a Personal Information Form containing questions about teachers’ personal information (gender, age, professional seniority, field, etc.) and the Spatial Technologies Self-Efficacy Scale developed by Akbaş and Toros (2017). The data obtained from the scale were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 program. Assuming that the data were normally distributed, parametric statistical analyses were applied; the independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to determine the differences between the variables. The findings from the study revealed that teachers\\\' self-efficacy levels regarding spatial technologies were generally in the medium to high range. Significant differences in self-efficacy perceptions were found based on the variables of gender, age, region of assignment, whether or not teachers had taken a GIS course, whether or not they had received cartography training, and length of time using computers. However, it was determined that the variables of field of graduation, professional seniority, marital status, and parenthood did not have a significant effect on self-efficacy perceptions. In conclusion, it can be said that teachers\\\' levels of self-efficacy regarding spatial technologies vary depending on certain demographic characteristics, and that this situation affects the integration of spatial technologies into teaching processes. In this context, it is recommended to expand in-service training programs aimed at developing teachers\\\' technological competence, strengthen the technological infrastructure in schools, and establish mentoring and sharing platforms that will increase professional interaction.
Keywords : Sosyal bilgiler eğitimi, öğretim elemanı sayısı, kadın-erkek oranı, lisans branşları, nepotizm ve liyakat

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