Perceptions and opinions of primary school students about global citizenship in social studies teaching based on educational games

In this study, which aims to examine the perceptions and views of primary school students about global citizenship in the social studies teaching based on educational games, one group embedded design was used. The study was conducted in a public school with the participation of 22 students. Descriptive analysis was used for the analysis of qualitative data collected through interviews. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used for the analysis of quantitative data. As a result of the research, a significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest scores of the students on the global citizenship perception scale. It can be said that education based on educational games given in Social Studies course has a significant effect on improving students' global citizenship perceptions. As a result of the interview, the definitions of global citizenship given by the students; world citizenship, the individual who fulfills the rights and responsibilities, the individual with universal values, the individual acquiring the basic skills and the protection of the world; global citizenship characteristics; skills, values, rights and responsibilities. Students said the contributions of educational games; entertaining, permanent, facilitating, value and skill acquisition as stated. In order to make the education process more effective, quality and permanent, the students made suggestions such as going on nature trips, visiting museums, participating in theater activities, going to the zoo, invitation of experts, puzzle computer games and cartoons. Keywords: Social studies, Educational games, Global citizenship, Primary education teacher.