Teachers' views on the values education in the fourth grade social studies lesson

Purpose: The aim of this research is to determine the opinions of the Primary school teachers about the values education carried out in the Fourth grade social studies course. Method: This research is a phenomenological study, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The study group of the research consists of 55 classroom teachers who work in the Ministry of National Education (MEB) schools and teach in the fourth grade in Diyarbakır province Bağlar district center. Conclusion and Suggestions: As a result of the interviews with the teachers, it was concluded that the most preferred activities in the teaching of the values in the 4th grade social studies lesson were very diverse, but the majority of the teachers had the composition writing activity. When the opinions of the teachers on the importance of values were examined, it was determined that the highest frequency was gathered in the sub-theme of the value of respect for others. Secondly, they considered national values such as patriotism important. In their views on the achievements of the primary school teachers regarding the values education in the fourth grade social studies course, they stated that the values they deem insufficient in the values education in the social studies course are the values of justice, scientificity and honesty. It is concluded that the teachers who express their opinions in line with these values are aware of the values in the fourth grade social studies course. Because, it has been determined that the least included activities in the 4th grade social studies textbook are the subject of justice and the values of scientificity and honesty. They stated that although the teachers had different views on the problems encountered in teaching values, the common view was that there were problems arising from the family, followed by the negative effects of social media. When the suggestions regarding the teaching of values were examined, the opinions of the teachers stated that the school-family cooperation should be ensured and the students and their parents should be conscious about social media. In line with the results above, suggestions were made to the authors, teachers and parents of the students. Keywords: Value, values education, classroom teacher.