Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to determine the opinions of primary school teachers about the implementation and effectiveness of the new primary school social studies curriculum. Data were collected by using a 32-item Likert-type Social Studies Curriculum Scale, developed by researchers. Study group were 383 classroom teachers from 64 primary schools in provinces of İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Kocaeli, Van, Hatay, Samsun and Bolu where the new primary school social studies curriculum pilot tested. Differences in teachers' assessment of implementation of new social studies curriculum were examined by city, grade level, gender, teaching experience, teachers' education and class size variables. Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test, Kruskal Wallis H test, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. Teachers' assessment of implementation suggests that the new social studies curriculum has been effectively implemented. Results indicated that teachers' assessment of implementation of new social studies curriculum showed significant differences by provinces in terms of the learning attainments, content, teaching-learning activities and student assessment. However, there were no significant differences in assessment of implementation grade level, gender, teaching experience, teachers' education and class size variables.

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