Examination of financial literacy attitudes and behaviors of primary school students in the context of social studies course

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the financial literacy perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of primary school 4th grade students. Convergent parallel design, one of the mixed research designs, was used in the research. In this context, quantitative approaches were needed to reveal the attitude and behavior dimension of primary school 4th grade students regarding financial literacy skills, and qualitative approaches were needed to reveal students' financial literacy perceptions. Therefore, in this research, it was deemed appropriate to work with mixed method and Convergent Parallel Design, one of the mixed research methods, was used. Research data were obtained from primary school 4th grade students in the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. "Marmara Financial Literacy Attitude and Behavior Scale" was used for quantitative data and "Semi-structured Interview Form" for qualitative data. According to the results of the research, the students' financial literacy attitude and behavior levels were found to be high. It has been determined that the educational status of the parents, and saving money have an effect on the level of financial literacy. The students' perceptions of financial literacy were shaped in the themes of financial planning and consumption, awareness of need and awareness of spending, and financial responsibility. When the quantitative and qualitative findings are compared together, it is seen that the sub-dimensions of the scale and student perceptions overlap. While students' perceptions of financial planning and consumption emerged in the dimensions of shopping, budget, savings and personal budget management, financial responsibility emerged in the context of tax, savings and qualified profession; Students stated that tax is an economic responsibility towards the state and that they can contribute to their country as a professional. Based on these results, it can be said that students' financial literacy attitude and behavior levels and perceptions are high and sufficient at primary school level.