Abstract:

This study aims to regulate the cognitive structures related to the concepts in Human Rights Citizenship and Democracy lesson of the 4th grade primary school pupils by means of active learning method. These 10 concepts are solidarity, equality, justice, participation, active citizen, democracy, freedom of expression, rights, freedom and responsibility. In parallel with the purpose of the research, an action research from qualitative research patterns was used. The research was conducted in a public school located in the central district of Aydın. There are a total of 23 pupils, 9 male and 14 female students, in the study group. Activities for concept teaching were held by the class teacher for 12 weeks under the supervision of the researcher. These activities were selected in accordance with the class level from among active learning activities. The cognitive structure between the concepts was tested using the Word Association Test (WAT) as a pre-test and post-test. Based on test results, concept networks were created. In addition, two worksheets were used to inspect learning. The concepts that the study group had difficulty to understand were rearranged in a different activity. At the end of the research, it has been revealed that the active learning model makes improvement on the cognitive structures of the learners about the concepts. The students made definitions about the concepts and found more qualified words. The study has revealed that there is a relationship between the cognitive structure about the concepts and the socioeconomic status of the students and their learning levels.

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