Özet:

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of using current events in the 6th grade social studies course on students' sensitivity to social problems. The study was conducted in accordance with embedded design that is a mixed-method design. The quantitative data were gathered through the pretest-posttest experimental model with control group, and the qualitative data through interviews and structured observations. The participants were 6th graders. There were 22 students in the experimental group, and 26 students in the control group. The data gathering tools included the Sensitivity to Social Problems Scale, a semi-structured interview form and a structured observation form, and lesson plans and instructional materials were employed in the experimental procedure. SPSS package program was used in the analysis of the quantitative data while the content analysis technique was employed to analyse the qualitative data. As a result of the study, it was found that the experimental procedure had a positive effect on the students' sensitivity to social problems. The semi-structured interviews with the students in the experimental groups showed that they thought the social studies course taught by using current events had a positive effect on their sensitivity to social problems. Based on the results of the study, suggestions were offered with respect to using current events to enhance sensitivity to social problems in the social studies course and for further studies.

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