Reform in the Social Sciences Curriculum of Turkey: an Evaluation in Terms of Teaching History

Abstract

Social Studies course aims not only the socialization of children but also providing them with some vital skills. And it is obvious that such aim can not be achieved only via the transfer of information and values. Taking as basis the USA practice, Social Studies course was started to be taught in primary schools of Turkey in place of history and geography courses in 1968. However, social studies course was based on the heavy transfer of information and values rather than provision of skills until 2005. In this context, as history was taught in a way that was irrelevant with the daily life of children, rote learning turned into an inseparable part of this course. By means of 2005 Social Studies curriculum, textbook-based teaching was replaced by activity-based teaching. The objectives of history course were reviewed and a history teaching approach aimed at providing vital skill was adopted. New curriculum presents a history course that teaches history by taking into consideration the factors such as children and their interests, parents and neighbourhood.