Evaluation of earthquake knowledge levels of social studies teacher candidates after the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

The aim of this study is to evaluate the earthquake knowledge levels of social studies teacher candidates after the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, centered in Elbistan and Pazarcık, Kahramanmaraş. A quantitative research method was employed, and data were collected using a scale. The scale was administered face-to-face to 375 social studies teacher candidates studying at universities located in the provinces of Malatya, Adıyaman, and Kahramanmaraş, which were among the most affected by the earthquake. Data entry and analysis were carried out through a data analysis program to present the findings scientifically. As the data collection tool, a survey appropriate to the structure of the study was used. The "Earthquake Knowledge Level Scale," developed in 2022 by Prof. Dr. Murat Genç and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erol Sözen from Düzce University, was utilized. This scale includes three sub-dimensions: "Knowledge of the Distribution of Earthquake Zones," "Knowledge of Earthquake Effects," and "Earthquake Education." The study was structured based on participants' responses to this scale. According to the findings, the teacher candidates' mean scores were X̅=3.95 in "Knowledge of Earthquake Zone Distribution," X̅=4.39 in "Knowledge of Earthquake Effects," and X̅=3.56 in "Earthquake Education." The overall average score was X̅=4.01. These results indicate that while earthquake knowledge levels were high across all three sub-dimensions, the highest level was observed in the "Knowledge of Earthquake Effects" dimension. It is believed that this study will shed light on the earthquake awareness of teacher candidates help guide efforts to address any deficiencies in this area.