Abstract:

Sensitivity, which is quite comprehensive and closely related to many other values, is an umbrella term for them. It is absolutely essential to be aware of the sensitivity value in this world where with the process of industrialization people are getting individualized and relationships are increasingly formalized, and to make the new generations acquire this value in the family setting and at school. Accordingly, this study set out to investigate the opinions of social studies teacher candidates on sensitivity value. For this purpose, a basic qualitative research design was used in the study. The participant group of the study were social studies teacher candidates studying at the faculty of education of a state university in the Black Sea Region during the 2021-2022 academic year. The participants were selected according to criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods. In the study, being enrolled in the "Character and Values Education" course was determined as the criterion. According to this criterion, 15 social studies teacher candidates in total, 8 of whom were female and 7 of whom were male, participated in the study. In the research, the interview was utilized as the data collection method. The thematic analysis approach was adopted in the analysis of the data gathered from the interviews. As a result of the study, it was determined that teacher candidates mainly stressed reacting and not remaining silent in the definition of sensitivity value. They also thought that it is crucial to develop this value, specifically in terms of ensuring social harmony and unity. Furthermore, it was identified that they mostly associated sensitivity value with respect, responsibility and benevolence values, and they believed that drama, field-trip, case studies and activity-based teaching would be beneficial in the acquisition of this value.

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