Abstract:

The main purpose of this study is to identify prospective social sciences teachers’ views about the use of creative drama in social studies social lesson. The study group consists of 21 students from the fourth grade in Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Education Faculty Social Studies Education Department during the 2014-2015 academic year. For this purpose, an open-ended semi-structured interview form was developed by researchers in reference to the literature. The data obtained from interviews were analysed utilizing descriptive analysis techniques. According to the study results, prospective teachers think that creative drama education is effective. They also think the method will contribute to permanent learning as well as develop self-confidence, questioning skills, imagination development, edutaining, lasting learning, empathy, group responsibility, collaboration, socializing, development of social skills, psychomotor skills development, cognitive skills development, strengthening student-teacher relationship, drawing attention to the lesson, communication skills, speak effective speech, creativity, interaction, sharing, concept teaching, feeling discharged, and acquisition of self-expression skills. Also, participants’ views were noted relating to difficulties encountered in the use of creative drama method. In this context, the participants think that they may not cover the curriculum due to creative drama practices, it could only be considered as a game, the lesson duration is inadequate, it might not be applied effectively in large groups, class management could be difficult, and it may not be suitable for every subject. In addition, they stressed that creative drama classes should be included in the curriculum starting from the first semester instead of last semester for effective use.

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