The place of history subjects in primary school fourth grade social studies textbooks in the formation of national consciousness

The aim of this research is to determine the elements of national consciousness by taking teachers' opinions about the place of history subjects in the fourth grade Social Studies textbooks in the formation of national consciousness. In the study, the elements of national consciousness in the units and subjects in the 4th grade Social Studies textbook were analyzed through document analysis. The research was shaped by case study, one of the qualitative research designs. The research was conducted with 40 classroom teachers working in primary schools in the center and districts of Diyarbakır in the 2023-2024 academic year. Interview technique and document analysis were used to collect data for the research. Content analysis was used to analyze the data obtained from the study group. In addition, document analysis method was preferred for the data obtained from the textbooks. As a result of the research, the study group teachers expressed opinions on the definition of national consciousness, its importance in development, its adequacy in textbooks and the subjects that can be included in textbooks. Social belonging, cultural awareness, consciousness of families, sensitivity of teachers, social integrity, ensuring the continuation of society, national and religious holidays, historical heroes are among the prominent sub-themes. In the document analysis part of the study, it was determined that the national consciousness topics in primary school 4th grade social studies textbooks were limited to one learning area and one unit. The unit "I am learning my past" in the learning area of culture and heritage; family history, national culture, traditional children's games, and the National Struggle mainly cover national consciousness elements. Key words: National consciousness, social studies, history subjects, primary school