Effects of the use of cartoons in Turkish Republic History and Kemalism lesson on the eighth grade student?s academical success and attitude towards lesson

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of using cartoons in the unit of Kemalism in Turkish Republic Reform History and Kemalism lesson and the effects of using Constructive Approach on the academical achievements of 8th grade students.The research is empirical in order to determine the effectiveness of the use of cartoons in Turkish Republic Reform History and Kemalism lesson. The population of the study was consisted of the eighth grade students of Sanliurfa, Akcakale in 2008-2009 education year. The sample set of research was consisted of 56 students who were in 8/A and 8/B classes in Suleyman Sah Primary School. 28 students were in experiment group and 28 of them were in control group. 8/A was chosen as experiment group and 8/B was chosen as control group. Cartoons were used in history teaching in 8/A and the Constructive Approach was applied in 8/B.To carry out this research more effectively, the students and the teachers of these classes were informed about cartoons beforehand. Success and Attitude Tests were applied both before and after the research to know about the different success level of students. By using cartoons, the experiment group studied on the unit ?Kemalism? for about four weeks. The education environment prepared for the experiment group were enriched with cartoons and other different audio-visual materials. The control group also studied on the same unit by using the Constructive Approach.As a result of the research, there becomes a meaningful difference in the success and attitude of students in Kemalism Unit in favour of experiment group in which cartoons were used.Key Words: History teaching, cartoons, constructive approach