Teacher's opinions on the applicability of geographical literacy related benchmarks in social studies curriculum

This study aims to determine the opinions of teachers regarding the applicability of the geography literacy skills related outcomes in the 2018 Social Studies Curriculum for 5th, 6th, and 7th grades. The research employs the phenomenology (case study) design, a qualitative research method. The participants consist of 19 Social Studies teachers working in public schools under the Sinop Provincial Directorate of Atonal Education during the 2022-2023 academic year. Participants were selected using the convenience sampling method, one of the purposive sampling techniques. A survey form was used as the data collection tool, and the obtained data were analyzed using content analysis and frequency analysis methods. According to the research results, participants expressed negative views about the applicability of 6 out of 19 outcomes directly related to geography literacy at the 5th, 6th, and 7th grade levels in the SSC. Common points of the negative views include the outcomes being unsuitable for the student level, abstract, uninteresting, unrelated to current topics, and insufficient lesson time preventing in-depth coverage. Additionally, the complexity of geographical concepts and the inability of students to generate original ideas in outcomes requiring creative thinking skills were noted. Teachers highlighted that the applicability of the outcomes is linked to their relevance to students' immediate natural and human environment, daily life experiences, being concrete and interesting, and suitable for the student level. They suggested that these issues could be overcome by using materials appropriate to the student level, fostering map literacy skills, utilizing graphic organizers, employing teaching approaches in line with teaching principles, and creating student-centered, activity-based rich learning environments. These recommendations can help improve the effectiveness of teaching geography literacy skills and enhance the applicability of related outcomes. However, the research results also indicate that some key outcomes need to be updated.