The utilization of geosite areas in geography education (An examplefrom Gazi University)

In this study; the use of the geosite area in Kızılcahamam in education, the protection of geological heritage areas, their use in geography education and the evaluation of the educational potential of these areas were investigated. Among the aims of the study are to evaluate the use of geosites in geography education, to assist active learning in lessons, to increase students' awareness of nature, to provide students with the opportunity to see and learn on the spot, to prevent the use of geosites for purposes and to transfer them to future generations in a protected way. The research was conducted on the basis of phenomenology, one of the qualitative research designs. The study group of the research consists of 14 teacher candidates studying in the 4th grade of Gazi University Geography Education Department in 2019-2020. In the selection of the participants, the visit to Kızılcahamam Geopark within the scope of field study course given by Prof. Dr. Ülkü ESER ÜNALDI in the academic year of 2019-2020 was effective. The participants were interviewed and a semi-structured interview form was applied. The obtained data were classified by making descriptive analysis. As a result of the research, it has been seen that the use of geosite areas in geography education is perfectly appropriate, and the use of them in education makes learning permanent as it provides permanent information and on-site learning opportunities. In the light of the findings obtained from the research, some suggestions were presented, especially that courses which make use of the educational potential of geosite areas should be included into the current curriculum and that these areas should be transformed into an educational environment.