The Use of Active Learning Techniques in Teaching Current Events in Social Studies Courses: An Action Research

Abstract

Social Studies is one of the most important courses that provides students with basic information, skills, and values and prepares them for social life. Current events comprise the most important social resources employed in Social Studies courses for students, ensuring their familiarity with the society and world in which they live. The objectives of this study were to determine the problems experienced in current event teaching in Social Studies courses, and to develop and implement applications in which active learning techniques were used to solve these problems. The use of active learning techniques contributes significantly to students' understanding of events that occur in society and those discussed in social studies courses. Thus, the study aimed to increase the quality of current event teaching in Social Studies courses and to determine the opinions of students and teachers related to the process. A qualitative research method that entailed action research design was employed. Research was conducted on 5th grade students and their Social Studies teachers during the fall and spring semesters of the 2019-2020 academic year. The research included semi-structured interviews, observations, diaries of the researchers, teachers, and students, video recordings of the application process, and student products that were employed as data collecting instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Research findings indicate that teaching current events by means of active learning techniques in Social Studies courses enabled the students to actively participate in the course, display interest in the course and current events, prepare themselves for real life, and acquire the habit of following an agenda. Study results indicate that teaching current events in Social Studies courses by means of active learning techniques provides students with correct and effective use of Turkish; research, empathy, critical thinking, and media literacy skills; and the values of sensitivity, diligence, and justice. At the end of the study, various suggestions for application and research based on the results obtained are offered.