The Perceptions Ofstudents Towards The Social Studies Curriculum (2004) According To The Opinions Of Classroom Teachers

The curriculum of Social Studies has adapted a student centred approach. In this process, understanding the students’perceptions towards Social Studies curriculum is of great importance. The purpose of this study is to understand the student perceptions towards The Social Studies curriculum (2004) according to the teachers’opinions. Semi-structured interviews were used in this study. Criterion sampling technique was employed as purposeful sampling method. 21 volunteer classroom teachers who were teaching 5th grade participated in the study. The research data were collected in June 2006 and they were analyzed descriptively. The participants stated that students’overall impression towards The Social Studies curriculum in which constructive approach was implemented was positive and they enjoyed the course; however, they had difficulties in getting adapted initially. The participants concluded that the activities that the students liked the most wereresearching, drama, and group work activities. On the other hand, the activity that they had the most difficulty was researching. The participants also stated that along with the implementation of Social Studies curriculum based on constructivism, the students improved their research techniques, were more effective in the course and gained more positive attitudes towards the course. However, they tended to study less.