The views of pre-service social studies teachers on values education and values included in social studies curriculum

Social studies course that aims to educate responsible individuals and active citizens provides a significant contribution to values education. Thus, it is necessary to emphasize values education more in the Social Studies course. In the process of the acquisition of values by the students, Social Studies teachers and the course curriculum play an important role in acquisition of these values by the students. The pre-service teachers, who are active in the transfer of values to students, should first be self-aware and aware of their competencies. It is not possible to expect the students of pre-service teachers, who are not self-aware and aware of their competencies, would acquire the values adequately. The present study is significant since it aimed to determine the views of pre-service teachers, who play a significant role in values education, on values education and the values included in the social studies curriculum. The present study was conducted to determine the views of pre-service Social Studies teacherson values education and the values included in the Social Studies curriculum. The case study model, which is suitable for the qualitative research approach, was used in the study. The study group was determined with the purposive sampling method. The study was conducted with Elazığ Fırat University, Malatya İnönü University and Muş Alparslan University Education Faculty, Social Studies Educationsenior students during the 2017-2018 academic year. Semi-structured interview technique was used in the study. The study findings were analyzed with the content analysis method. The study data were analyzed using NVivo 12 qualitative data analysis software. The views of the pre-service social studies teachers on values education and the values included in the social studies curriculum demonstrated that they were aware of the concept of values and values education and they stated that values was not limited to the formal education at schools, this education could also be provided by the parents and could last a lifetime. It was determined that the role of the Social Studies course in value education was significant for training active citizens and adopting national and universal values and preserving cultural values. The values such as patriotism, respect, love, justice, equality, responsibility and independence, which are included in the Social Studies curriculum, were prioritized by pre-service teachers and considered these values significant in training better citizens, providing unity, conserving the history and enabling socialization, and thus should be acquired by the students. It was determined that mostpre-service teachers followed the changes the amendments in the curriculum and were aware of these changes. Several suggestions were made by pre-service teachers on education of values and values included in the Social Studies curriculum. Accordingly, more emphasis could be placed on values and values education during the undergraduate programs. Furthermore, seminars, symposiums and conferences on values and values education can be organized in colleges.