Examination of primary school social studies instructional program under the light of teachers opinions(Sample from the province of Kayseri)

This study aims to evaluate Social Sciences Instructional Program according to teachers? views, and to determine if teachers? opinions differ in terms of several variables. Research universe included teachers working at first-five grades of primary schools in the province of Kayseri. Data were gathered by administering a questionnaire developed by the researcher to the participating teachers. Reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was estimated by using alpha internal consistency coefficient; and the resulting value was 0.96. Data were computerized and analyzed by using SPSS 10.00 for Windows. Scrutinized in terms of distribution, data were analyzed through compatible statistical methods. Findings have revealed that most of the gains in Social Sciences Instructional Program are achievable in nature, that the adoption of thematic approach is positive, and that general outline of opinions regarding the themes are also positive. Some of the findings were negative: learning and teaching processes in Social Sciences Instructional Program do not spare enough time and activities for arts and esthetic training; tools and equipment advised to be used by the Instructional Program are not easily available for all students; teachers do not have adequate amount of knowledge about structural learning approach; while some other findings were positive: students are more active during lessons; strategies, methods, and techniques required by the new instructional program are in practice; the communication between school and parents have increased. In addition, teachers generally use the assessment tools advised by the instructional program, but they are still in need of training to be able to apply them more effectively. However, teachers? opinions regarding Social Sciences Instructional Program do not differ in terms of teachers? gender and work experience while there is a significant variance across their opinions in terms of school type, location of school, and educational background of teachers. Keywords: Program evaluation, Social sciences instructional program, Teachers? opinions